Zharovsky Shines in First KHL Preseason Game

On top of his playmaking work, Zharovsky also got some good chances to score himself, which included an opportunity to score on a wide-open net, but the defender was able to swipe it out of the crease.

During the game, Zharovsky proved that he’s a pass-first player who likes to carry the puck up ice, which could explain why Salavat’s coaching staff wanted to see how he’d fare at centre. For a natural winger, he did a great job handling the responsibilities of being a centre. After his first KHL pre-season game, he should be happy with his performance.

Unfortunately for Zharovsky and his teammates, they ended up losing the game 3-2 in a shootout. The Habs prospect even had the opportunity to shoot in the shootout, but wasn’t able to beat the Yekaterinburg goaltender.

Even on the defensive side of the game, Zharovsky seemed able to handle his responsibilities as a centre. The Canadiens may have gotten a more versatile player than advertised when he was drafted.

This game was just the beginning of Zharovsky’s journey in the KHL, and if he continues to play a big role in his team’s scoring, he should officially make the team.

As mentioned, in the prospect profile that was written last week, the main goal for Zharovsky this upcoming season should be to bulk up. Once that happens, he will be able to use his body to make plays. At 6’1 and 165 LBS, Zharovsky can be a threat on the ice if he gains 25-30 LBS before he eventually makes the move over to North America.

While he may never come to Montreal, the fact that he’s childhood friends with Habs star prospect Ivan Demidov, he will likely be convinced to come over at one point or another. Demidov said in an interview after Zharovsky was first drafted that the two have known eachother since they were 8 years old and dreamed of one day playing on the same line. The fact that they were drafted by the same team is making their dream closer to a reality. Only time will tell, but Zharovsky is looking good so far and it wouldn’t surprise me that he finds his way into a middle-six role in about 2-3 years from now.

After watching various segments of Zharovsky’s game today, he seems ready for the next level, and I believe that he has the hockey brain to be successful as an 18-year-old in the KHL. Zharovsky will be a fun prospect to watch throughout the season.