Chicago Blackhawks acquire an elite Russian goal scorer in Nashville: Kyle Davidson's a genius
Photo credit: NHL.com
Roman Kantserov was acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks 44th overall in 2023 at the NHL draft in Nashville, and his performance in the KHL has shown that General Manager Kyle Davidson is a genius.
Metallurg Magnitogorsk forward Roman Kantserov was drafted 44th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville.
After taking Connor Bedard 1st overall, Davidson found a diamond in the rough in the Russian forward.
Kantserov has defined his 2024-25 season with dynamic two-way play in the KHL. His high hockey IQ has shown he's a capable playmaker, and he has a scoring touch that will benefit the Blackhawks once he turns pro.
While we think at this point in his career, he's still developing into the player he can be, he has the tools to become a star forward in the NHL.
Last season in the KHL, he scored 38 points (13-25) in 47 games with Mellurg and was a part of the team that won a Gagarin Cup the year prior.
He's shown consistent improvement in the last season, doubling his points total from 2023-24.
While he would remain a depth option in the playoffs for Magnitogorsk, he wasn't as explosive during the regular season. But that's not the whole story.
Roman Kantserov: A 2nd-round pick who could evolve into a solid Middle-Six forward
According to NHL analyst Bryon Bader, he's set to grow into a middle-six forward in a key supporting role.
His consistent play style in the second-best league in the world has shown him capable of scoring 6 points in a week last December, contributing a hat-trick, and earning "Best Forward of the Week" honors.
Afterward, he'd score 10 goals in 10 games, all on the cusp of his 100th KHL game, a real firebrand for the team.
Kantserov's breakout campaign would experience obstacles in an offseason shoulder surgery that kept him out of training camp. He'd manage to still become the consistent forward that Metallurg relied upon.
He'd find a way to grow his defensive capabilities, and, being utilized as a depth forward, he'd expand his offense and responsibilities.
Magnitogorsk would increase his time on ice from 12 minutes a night to 17 minutes a night, and give him power-play duties, showing the team trusted him.
Kantersov has shown that a 2nd-round pick to draft on a relative unknown from Russia could pay dividends in the Blackhawks' future.
He could become a key role player in an organization that is deadset on returning to Stanley Cup competition.
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