The Canadiens Could Have Discovered Their Next Gem with Alex Carrier 2.0
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The name Bogdan Konyushkov doesn't make much noise on this side of the ocean, but according to many, he is a player to watch for the Montreal Canadiens.
The 6-foot, 170-pound right-handed defenseman (yes, that's light) is not known for his offensive game.
Don't expect huge production from him when he comes over to North America.
It's rather his defensive play and hockey IQ that convinced Canadiens management to draft him 110th overall in the 2023 draft.
"Igor Larionov had him on his team and I played with him so I asked about him.
He told me that he was one of his smartest defensemen and that he had great potential, on top of being a good person.
He's a little older (20 years old) and Nick saw him on video."
- Martin Lapointe
He told me that he was one of his smartest defensemen and that he had great potential, on top of being a good person.
He's a little older (20 years old) and Nick saw him on video."
- Martin Lapointe
Bogdan Konyushkov: A Future Alexandre Carrier
Recruiters' analysis is all well and good, but what about the young man now at 22 years old?
In a recent episode of the podcast Habsent Mind from the site Eyes On The Prize, journalist William Shoukri was asked what the best comparable for Konyushkov would be.
His answer was quite simple: Alexandre Carrier.
Without being flashy, the Quebec defenseman is reliable, and you can put him on the ice without fearing a mistake.
Coaches will tell you they love this type of player, and every team needs one.
Knowing that the Canadiens have a potential replacement for Carrier (who is 28) is quite reassuring.
Especially since we know that Konyushkov won't be coming to North America for a while yet, as he recently extended his contract by one more season with Torpedo in the KHL.
"Montreal Canadiens defensive prospect Bogdan Konyushkov has extended his KHL contract with Torpedo until May 30, 2027.
That would make it four seasons from the time he was drafted by the Canadiens that his contract expires."
That would make it four seasons from the time he was drafted by the Canadiens that his contract expires."
He therefore cannot make the jump to the NHL before June 1, 2027.
This gives him plenty of time to perfect his game and, who knows, polish his offensive skills a little.
In 67 games last season in the KHL, the defenseman recorded 17 points, including 3 goals. He added a goal during his team's four playoff games.
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