Olympic Break Top 10 Habs Prospects: #3 Alexander Zharovsky

Since Zharovsky started the 2025-26 KHL season with Salavat UFA, he has been nothing short of spectacular, quickly moving himself up to a top-line forward despite being just 18 years old in a league that rarely gives big minutes to teenagers, especially when they are already drafted into the NHL. Despite having missed 9 games this season due to injury, Zharovsky currently leads Salavat with 13 goals and 37 points in 45 games.

The Habs prospect has been an offensive dynamo as one of the youngest players to play in the KHL this year. Much like his childhood friend and Canadiens star forward, Ivan Demidov, Zharovsky is running away as the favourite for KHL rookie of the year. The thought of the two Russians playing together is very enticing, as they have both played together in minor hockey since they were around 9 and 10 years old. They both had dreams of playing together in the NHL, and it is looking more and more like a reality for them.

What makes Zharovsky such a good prospect is how elite his hands and vision are. He has the ability to make nice scoring chances out of nothing thanks to his hands and can also make really difficult passes to his teammates. Zharovsky is also an elite player on the power play, as he is a triple threat on offence. Opponents never know if he will shoot, pass, or make a deke on his first touch of the puck, which plays a huge factor in how good his offence can be.

While Zharovsky is best known for his offensive abilities, he is no slouch in his own end either. The Russian teenager doesn’t cheat to create his offence and can often be seen pressuring opposing defensemen along the boards to force turnovers, which have led to him getting multiple takeaways. He also has the ability to read the play really well and can intercept passes using both his active stick and decent skating abilities.

Zharovsky is far from the fastest skater, but he plays a strong game and keeps up with the majority of players in the KHL. Once he comes over to North America, which is expected at the end of the 2026-27 season, the speed of the game on a smaller rink may be a bit of a challenge, but with his skill level it shouldn’t take long for him to adapt and figure things out. By the time he finally comes over, he will only be a better player and easily ready to step into the Canadiens’ top 9 forwards.

The biggest knock on his game is likely the ability to absorb hits, as Zharovsky doesn’t have to take as much contact in the KHL as he otherwise would in North America. Not to mention, he is still on the lankier side but has continued to bulk up throughout the season, which should help him take the punishment he’ll receive from opposing defenders by the time he’s ready to join the Canadiens at the end of his KHL contract.

Zharovsky is expected to be a solid top 6 forward someday, and the way he has been progressing with Salavat this season, he is on track to become one of the final pieces of the puzzle for the Habs’ future top 6 forward group. Only time will tell, but things are looking great for the Canadiens’ 2nd Round pick in the 2025 Entry Draft as of now.

Do you think Zharovsky will become a top 6 forward in the NHL?

Check out yesterday’s article on the Habs’ #4 prospect, David Reinbacher, by clicking here.