Chicago Blackhawks acquire their new goal-scoring phenom in Nashville: A steal by Kyle Davidson

He was selected 44th overall in the 2023 NHL draft in Nashville, a true steal by general manager Kyle Davidson.

At this point, it feels like every week that we are discussing Kantserov's hot streak in the KHL.

That output crushes his prior KHL seasons. Last year he scored 38 points over 47 games as a 20-year-old, but this season he's approaching that in far fewer games.

Scouts love his tenacity. At 5′9″ he lacks the typical size for an NHL forward but plays with a low center of gravity and strength, using quick skates, a sharp shot, and net-front presence. He's not just a scorer but is also creating chances, retrieving pucks, and lasting shifts in pro competition.

If you're a Blackhawks fan, you can't help but feel some buzz. A 22-goal pace in the KHL at 21 years old signals a major coup for the franchise's rebuild. His deal in Russia ends this spring, and chatter already suggests the Hawks could bring him over for 2026.

There are real questions ahead, though. NHL ice is smaller, faster, and tougher-and questions remain whether Kantserov can translate his KHL scoring to the North American game.

But right now his confidence, quick release, and willingness to play in traffic give him a shot.

If he keeps this up, pairing Kantserov with rising stars like Connor Bedard could give Chicago a dangerous youth-powered forward group. Let's see if he keeps pushing.