canadiens Trade Up to Snag Russian winger Alexander Zharovsky in 2025 NHL Draft
Montreal, QC – June 29, 2025 – In a surprising move, teh Montreal Canadiens aggressively moved up in the 2025 NHL Draft, trading picks 41 and 49 to the Carolina Hurricanes for picks 34 and 189. The move allowed the Canadiens to select highly-touted Russian winger, Alexander Zharovsky, with the 34th overall pick.The Canadiens were initially without a frist-round pick due to the Noah Dobson trade, but General Manager Kent Hughes clearly identified Zharovsky as a player worth maneuvering for. Zharovsky, a six-foot-one, 163-pound right winger from Klin, russia, impressed scouts with his offensive prowess in the MHL, recording 24 goals and 26 assists for 50 points in just 45 games during his debut season with Tolpar UFA.
This selection suggests a continued focus on Russian talent for the Canadiens, following their scouting of players like Ivan Demid, Yevgeni Volokhin, and Bogdan Konyushkov. While Zharovsky could benefit from adding muscle to his frame, the Canadiens clearly held him in high regard, keeping their interest under wraps until draft day.
Key Takeaways:
Trade Details: Canadiens traded picks 41 & 49 to Hurricanes for picks 34 & 189.
Player Profile: Alexander zharovsky – 6’1″, 163lbs, Right Winger, from klin, Russia.
MHL Stats (2024-25): 45 GP, 24 G, 26 A, 50 Pts.
Strategic Implications: Signals continued interest in Russian prospects
