Canadiens’ Young Talent Set to Complete Montreal’s NHL Rebuild

His development also matters from a stylistic standpoint. The Canadiens have been building toward a faster, more aggressive identity, emphasizing puck retrieval, quick transition, and sustained pressure. Zharovsky’s growth in skating explosiveness and decision-making could allow him to thrive in such a system.

His play in his rookie Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) season is something that provides the Canadiens’ management and the fanbase hope for his future as an NHLer. He recently passed Eeli Tolvanen for most points in an 18-year-old’s season in KHL history. His 37 points are now the new record, and his season is still not finished. 

If he evolves into a reliable two-way presence, the coaching staff would gain flexibility in matchups, enabling them to roll lines more confidently rather than overloading top players in high-leverage situations. 

He is currently playing in the KHL for Ufa under head coach Viktor Kozlov, who played 897 games in the NHL, giving him a particular insight into what this young forward will need to succeed. In an interview with RG.org, Kozlov stated that Zharovsky still lacks the physical size to consistently battle grown professionals but sees this being rectified in time. 

“Physically, he knows he’s still young. He works in the gym, lifts weights, and trains with experienced players. He needs time to build strength and muscle. Sometimes he makes risky decisions and plays creatively. That’s mostly about experience, and those moments go away with age. He has the right to make mistakes because he has real potential. He can create something with the puck, for himself or for a teammate. Depending on the game situation, we sometimes make adjustments if needed.”

 – Viktor Kozlov 

His growth could also influence special teams. A young forward who can contribute on the second power-play unit or handle penalty-killing duties reduces strain on core players. That kind of versatility compounds value over an 82-game season. If Zharovsky develops stronger board play and defensive reads, he could earn those minutes, further rounding out Montreal’s lineup. 

Canadiens Searching for a Power Game 

Another factor is organizational depth. Successful teams don’t just rely on stars; they rely on waves. In the coming years, injuries, slumps, and roster adjustments will inevitably test Montreal’s internal pipeline. Joshua Roy was seen as the next depth piece, but as of yet, he has failed to graft himself a full-time NHL role.

Now, eyes are on Michael Hage, Hayden Paupanekis, and Owen Beck, among others. But looking ahead, if they and/or Zharovsky are NHL-ready and producing, management won’t need to overpay in free agency or sacrifice draft capital at the trade deadline to fill middle-six gaps. That internal solution could preserve assets for bigger, strategic moves. 

Beyond the names mentioned is the development of players like Logan Sawyer, who was selected 78th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft. At the time, he was a 6-foot-1, 173-pound forward known as a high-energy, two-way forward with strong hockey intelligence, physicality, and a mean attitude in his game.

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes  spoke about adding players with that kind of mentality on the ice. Sawyer does add another prospect that fills that requirement, but his development has also brought some middle-six potential along with it.  

Montreal is allowing its youth the time needed to find their games. Using the NCAA as a development ground is helping this young forward, who has 12 goals and 23 points in 27 games this season, surpassing last season’s 16-point total in 37 games.

The time to work on physical development was something he was questioned about in an interview with Marco D’Amico of RG.org. It may be the biggest impact in his case, as he has already doubled his goal from last season, but that improvement has a lot to do with his physical growth. 

“I gained 20, 25 pounds over the summer, I’m almost 6-foot-3 now, and I think I just kind of grew into my body.”

 -Logan Sawyer 

Sawyer now stands 6-foot-3 and tips the scales at nearly 200 pounds, which is NHL size. He plays a power forward’s game with grit and physicality. His production is almost double, rising from 16 points in 37 games to 23 points in 27 games. That offence, and his gritty, competitive edge, will be the key to his earning any future role.

Sawyer has done the work so far, adding noticeable power without sacrificing any speed, cardio, or mobility. The added strength has allowed him to protect pucks more effectively along the boards, drive inside more confidently, and generate higher-quality attempts in the slot, increasing his odds of making it to the Canadiens’ roster. 

Perhaps most importantly, his progress would signal that the Canadiens’ development system is functioning as intended. Rebuilds succeed not just because of high picks, but because mid-tier prospects exceed expectations. If either Zharovsky or Sawyer becomes a reliable contributor by 2027-28, it reinforces confidence in scouting, player development, and organizational patience. 

Two years may seem distant, but in NHL terms, it’s the critical bridge between promise and payoff. Should continue trending upward, they could be part of the foundation that pushes the Canadiens from a fun, rebuilding story to a Cup contender. Depth, versatility, and internal growth often decide who rises and who plateaus. Zharovsky and Sawyer’s progress could help ensure Montreal rises at exactly the right time.