Key Takeaways
- Zharovsky goes 34th overall: Despite hoping for a first-round selection, Alexander Zharovsky became the first Russian skater taken in the 2025 NHL Draft, joining the Montreal Canadiens.
- Training and development hurdles: Visa delays will keep him from Montreal’s development camp, but he’s continuing offseason prep in Russia after training in Miami.
- Rising star in Russian leagues: Zharovsky was named MHL Rookie of the Year and made his KHL playoff debut at 18, showing strong potential at both junior and pro levels.
Alexander Zharovsky (Photo by HC Salavat Yulaev)
Alexander Zharovsky was the first player selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2025 NHL Draft. The Russian forward was taken early in the second round, with the No. 34 overall pick. To move up, the Canadiens traded picks No. 41 and No. 49 to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for No. 34 and No. 189.
“From the start, both my agent and I were hoping for the first round. So I was a bit disappointed not to be picked on Day One,” Zharovsky told RG in an exclusive interview. “I really thought I’d be in the first, even just barely. But in the end, I went early in the second — and the main thing is the team. I’m glad it worked out this way.”
The 18-year-old forward became the first Russian skater selected in the 2025 NHL Draft. He currently plays in Russia for the Salavat Yulaev Ufa system. According to multiple reports, the Canadiens had Zharovsky ranked higher on their draft board and were impressed by his hands, hockey IQ, and puck control.
“Montreal is a team with a great history. Everything worked out perfectly. I’m really happy to be drafted by this team,” he said.
“Right after the draft, the Canadiens’ head scout for Russia, Nikolai Bobrov, reached out and told me the team believes in me and is counting on me.”
Zharovsky said he had multiple interviews with the Canadiens, including one just days before the draft in Miami. “We talked again there. I probably shouldn’t share everything, but it went well. When they called the second time and asked more detailed questions, that’s when I felt things were getting serious,” he said. “My English isn’t great. I handled some conversations on my own, but needed a translator with a few teams. Sometimes I understood them, sometimes I didn’t.”
Due to visa issues, Zharovsky won’t be able to attend Montreal’s development camp. He doesn’t yet have a Canadian visa, and the process might take up to a month. On Sunday, June 29, he flew back to Russia from Miami, where he’ll continue his offseason training.
Childhood Friends and Draft-Day Joy
An interesting detail about his background — Zharovsky has been friends with fellow Russian prospect Ivan Demidov since childhood.
“I’ve known Vanya since we were eight. We played on the same team, and our dads know each other. We still text from time to time, ask how things are going,” he said. “He was also in Miami recently, but we didn’t get a chance to meet. If I had gone to Montreal, we would’ve seen each other. He and Bogdan Konyushkov would’ve been there too. But I’m flying back to Russia. Vanya called me right after the draft, congratulated me, and asked how I was feeling.”
Zharovsky had been training in Miami at a camp organized by his agent, Dan Milstein. The Gold Star camp brought together the agency’s clients for several days of intense on- and off-ice work, while NHL scouts and executives observed.
MHL Rookie of the Year and KHL Debut
In the 2024–25 season, Zharovsky made his debut in the MHL, Russia’s top junior league. The year before, he played in the NMHL, the country’s second-tier junior league.
“The MHL isn’t just a kids’ league,” he said. “The MHL has more skilled players, for sure. Playing against 21-year-olds when you’re 16 is more like adult hockey. It was tough at first, but then I adjusted.”
He was named MHL Rookie of the Year last season after leading Tolpar Ufa in scoring with 50 points (24 goals, 26 assists) in 45 games. He also made his KHL debut at age 18, appearing in seven playoff games for Salavat Yulaev and recording one assist. He averaged just over six minutes of ice time per game.
“The atmosphere was amazing — the fans, the energy, doing what you love. Pure joy,” he said about his KHL debut.
Zharovsky admitted he was nervous but thanked Salavat Yulaev head coach Viktor Kozlov, a former NHL player with stints in San Jose, Florida and other teams.
“I’m grateful he trusted me and gave me the chance to play. They really let me play. Sometimes one period, sometimes two. First line, then third. The KHL is faster and tougher than the MHL. Those are grown men, professionals. It’s more intense and more fun.”
Zharovsky said his favorite players include Pavel Datsyuk, Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov, Artemi Panarin, and Ivan Demidov. “I wouldn’t say I try to copy anyone,” he noted. As for the Canadiens, he’s only familiar with Demidov and captain Nick Suzuki.
This summer, Zharovsky is focused on improving his physical game. “I need to get bigger, stronger and faster,” he said.
He’ll begin MHL team practices on July 14 and could join Salavat Yulaev’s training camp on Aug. 1.
