Blackhawks Acquire Big NHL Talent with Russian Prospect

According to eliteprospects.com, the 20-year-old winger who stands at 5 foot 9 and 176 lbs was drafted by the Blackhawks in 2023, second round 44th overall. They state that he can make plays on the first touch and has a high hockey IQ with great stick handling and can also have good situational awareness with his teammates. He's also noted as a very quick passer.

He is currently playing for Metallurg Magnitogorsk and had a modest year last year as he played 53 games scoring 8 goals with 7 assists for 15 points along with 10 penalty minutes. He became more effective in the playoffs as he played 23 games, scoring four goals and 9 assists for 13 points and had six penalty minutes and was a + 8. He also had a taste of victory as his team won the Gagarin Cup and was a finalist for KHL rookie of the year.

Shortly afterwards it was determined that Kantserov required surgery to his shoulder which kept him off the ice for several months.

During that draft many felt that Kantserov could be one of the best picks in that class and may have a strong upside towards a top six forward. He will certainly have to compete with many players as the Blackhawks are overflowing with young talent within their ranks as the team continues their rebuilding phase.

But it's safe to say that this player will be a factor in the Blackhawks organization sooner rather than later.