Roman Kantserov Excited for Rookie Season With Blackhawks

Mar 27, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) skates against the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Roman Kantserov Excited for Rookie Season With Blackhawks

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | Last updated Jul 29, 2026 6:07 PM ET

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Roman Kantserov spoke to the media at the Upper Deck Rookie Showcase on Wednesday. It marked the first time the Russian forward appeared publicly in a Chicago Blackhawks jersey since being drafted in 2022. In it, Kantserov talks about his excitement to play for the organization and with his future teammates.

“It’s Sad News”

It’s no secret that it’s been a rollercoaster of an offseason for Chicago Blackhawks fans. After a turbulent season, Chicago went into the lottery with the second-best odds. Then fell to fourth overall and traded the pick to Buffalo for Bowen Byram.

Shortly after, Connor Bedard got injured at training and needed to go under the knife to repair his shoulder. When asked whether he had spoken to any of his teammates, namely Patrick Kane (which we will get to below) or Connor Bedard, Kantserov said he had texted Bedard. “Faster Recovery, we need you”

So part of the brunt of the offense now falls on the shoulders of Kantserov, who is projected to be on the first line to start his career. After signing his entry-level contract in May, Kyle Davidson has not been sugarcoating his expectations for Kantserov.

From Scott Powers of The Athletic, Davidson was quoted as saying, “I think what I’ve watched, my discussions with Blash, he’s ready for a top-six spot with us out of the gate.”

“The Legend Has Come Back”

As mentioned prior, Kantserov was asked if he had reached out to any of his teammates. Roman noted the injury to Bedard that will keep him out at the start of the season, but also mentioned Patrick Kane, who signed a two-year deal with the city he called home for 16 years. Kanterov remarked, “But Chicago has signed Patrick Kane. The legend has come back, it’s awesome.”

Roman also has the goal of playing with both Kane and Connor Bedard when the season rolls around, saying, “Of course, if we play together with Bedard, maybe we can find chemistry.” If the three were to unite, it would make one of the smallest lines in the league. Connor Bedard at 5’11 would be the tallest player. However him and Kantserov aren’t afraid of contact, and both play with an observable chip on their shoulders.

“It’s My Dream”

When the Blackhawks drafted Kantserov in the second round two years ago, it came with a risk. Dubbed “The Russian Factor” by hockey media, Kantserov was subjected to the label. The term comes from KHL players refusing to come to North America or even leaving in the middle of their careers. Notable examples of this case are players like Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Radulov.

However, some premier talents have fallen due to this bias. Nikita Kucherov and Kirill Kaprizov are two of the best players in the world. Both were day 2 picks. Vladimir Tarasenko fell from the top 5 all the way to 16th, but eventually became one of the top snipers of the previous generation.

And of course, Artemi Panarin, who went undrafted and was scooped up by Chicago in 2016. The important thing to note is that Roman has no “itch” to go back to the KHL. “I’m very excited to be here, to play for the Chicago Blackhawks. It’s my dream…..Can’t wait to get on the ice with the guys.”

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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