Roman Kantserov’s Start Is Just What Chicago Needs

In his season debut, Bedard was on the top line with Kantserov and Patrick Kane, and that line sparked great chemistry despite it being the first time they’re on the ice at the same time.

Kantserov, the 44th overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, scored two goals on Tuesday night. His first goal was on the power play after a great passing play where Bedard found Kansterov in the inner slot and put it away on the one-timer.

Artyom Levshunov found Kantserov for his second goal of the game with around 9:30 left in the second. Kane got an assist on the play.

Kantserov was the second star of the game and his goal streak and hot start in the early going, with the top line playing their first game with Bedard, is just what Chicago needed.

“Roman is very happy going to the net, so you still have a guy who will go to the net on the line,” head coach Jeff Blashill said. “Sometimes those kind of lines get too spread out and you don’t get any plays at the net. They did a pretty good job of doing that.”

“Connor creates separation a lot, so he creates space,” he continued. “Then when the other two earn space, they’re really good players. So it’s just a good combo,” (from ‘Connor Bedard ignites Blackhawks’ offense in win over Penguins’, Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 13, 2026).

Why This Start Matters

The most encouraging part of Kantserov’s early production is not simply the number of goals. It is the timing of his response.

Kantserov has a high hockey IQ, competitiveness and great puck-handling skills, which when you put him on the same line as Bedard and Kane, that’s enough to spark high-scoring chances. He scored his first NHL goal against Carolina, cementing his arrival to Chicago for the future.

There will inevitably be tougher stretches. Opponents will study his tendencies, scoring chances will become harder to find, and the demands of an NHL season will test his consistency. Two productive games cannot establish what kind of player he will ultimately become.

However, they can provide confidence, particularly for a rookie adapting to a new country, a new league and a different style of play.

Hawks fans know that feeling from Artemi Panarin’s time in Chicago before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets and, surprise, Kane was the big reason why Panarin won the Calder for the Hawks.

For Chicago, the hope is that Kantserov can turn these early flashes into sustained production.

What’s Next for Kantserov

His scoring history in Russia suggested that he had the tools to become a dangerous offensive player. His first NHL goal and subsequent two-goal performance have begun to translate that promise into results.

The next challenge is his ability to maintain the momentum. If he continues to find open ice, convert his opportunities and take advantage of playing with skilled teammates, he could become an important contributor to Chicago’s long-term plans.

After years of developing overseas, Kantserov is starting to make his presence felt in Chicago, and it’s something that fans should be excited about as the season goes on.