The spotlight burns through the icy haze of a Russian rink as Alexander Zharovsky, just 18 years old, carves his name into the KHL’s highlight reels with every shift. Imagine the scene: a blur of red and blue flashes across the boards, the Montreal Canadiens logo stitched proudly on his chest—even as he dazzles thousands of miles away. The roar of the crowd is almost drowned out by the whispers swirling in NHL front offices, where executives watch, scheme, and regret. Because Zharovsky, the Canadiens’ 34th overall pick, is quickly becoming the draft steal no one saw coming—except Montreal.

It’s not just the points, though 22 in 25 games is a jaw-dropping pace for a teenager in the world’s second-best league. It’s the way he plays: relentless, creative, and mature beyond his years. Named KHL Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive time, Zharovsky is turning heads not just in Montreal, but in New York, where the Islanders are still smarting from a draft day twist that changed both franchises’ futures. Picture the Islanders’ war room: anticipation building, fingers hovering over the draft board, ready to call Zharovsky’s name at 42nd overall—only for the Canadiens to strike first, snatching him away at 34.

The aftermath is more than just a footnote. Former NHL defenseman Vladimir Malakhov, now with the Islanders, admits the team had Zharovsky in their sights. Instead, they pivoted to Daniil Prokhorov—a talented prospect, but one whose production, just a single assist this season, pales in comparison to Zharovsky’s meteoric rise. The difference is stark, and the ripple effects are already being felt. While Prokhorov battles for ice time in Moscow, Zharovsky is lighting up the KHL and fueling speculation about an early jump to North America, much like Ivan Demidov before him.

For Canadiens fans, the excitement is palpable. Could Zharovsky be the next Lane Hutson—a late-round gem who outplays his draft position and transforms Montreal’s future? Scouts and analysts are beginning to whisper that the answer might be yes. His contract with Ufa runs through 2026-27, but his progression suggests he could arrive much sooner, bringing his blend of skill and tenacity to the Bell Centre and reigniting the hopes of a fanbase hungry for the next superstar.

The story doesn’t end there. As highlights from Zharovsky’s season circulate online, the sense of anticipation builds. Every slick pass, every clutch goal, every moment of brilliance adds another layer to the narrative—a tale of opportunity seized and potential unleashed. The Canadiens’ bold move at the draft may have changed the course of their rebuild, while the Islanders are left to wonder what might have been.

What happens next? Will Zharovsky continue his ascent and become the steal of the 2024 draft? Can he overcome the challenges ahead and fulfill the promise that’s already shimmering in the KHL? The answers are tantalizingly close, but for now, the only certainty is this: the Montreal Canadiens may have snatched a gem, and the hockey world is watching, waiting, and dreaming of what’s to come.

Photo of Canadiens and Islanders

Photo credit: Habsfanstics/NHL

Alexander Zharovsky is currently riding a very strong stretch since being selected by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

The 18-year-old forward was recently named KHL Rookie of the Month for the second straight month, despite limited offensive production.

He collected only four points in nine games during the month of November but has an impressive 22 points in 25 games this season.

Several teams wanted to draft Alexander Zharovsky before the Montreal Canadiens, including the New York Islanders

In recent days, the excellent Marco D’Amico spoke with former NHLer Vladimir Malakhov, who now works for the New York Islanders.

According to Malakhov, the Islanders were planning to select Zharovsky with their 42nd-overall pick at the last NHL Draft.

The Canadiens were quicker at 34th overall, and Mathieu Darche had no choice but to select another player, Daniil Prokhorov.

However, Malakhov added that this wasn’t a consolation pick, the organization is very happy with Prokhorov.

Still, the production of the two players in the same league is quite different.

Prokhorov has only one point, an assist, this season with Dynamo Moscow.

Based on how he is playing, it would not be surprising if he makes the jump to North America as early as this year, similar to what Ivan Demidov did last season, even though the forward still has a contract with Ufa through the end of the 2026-27 season.

According to many, selecting Zharovsky could turn out to be a steal.

He could undoubtedly be the Lane Hutson of 2025.

To whet your appetite, here are a few highlights from his season: