​The Montreal Canadiens are poised to add one of their most intriguing defensive prospects, right-shot blueliner Bogdan Konyushkov. Selected 110th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Konyushkov has been a key defenseman for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL. The smooth-skating rearguard has quickly assumed leadership duties, serving as both captain and alternate captain at various points. In 263 KHL appearances, the offensively oriented defender has tallied 18 goals and 90 assists.
However, a move to North America isn’t a straightforward leap, as Konyushkov remains under contract with Torpedo. To avoid any contract conflicts, the Canadiens and Torpedo reached a relatively innovative arrangement. Torpedo has terminated its agreement with Konyushkov, enabling the Canadiens to sign the 23-year-old defenseman to a two-year entry-level contract. After signing, the Habs will loan him back to the KHL for the 2026-27 season. Following that campaign, Konyushkov would be eligible to report to the Canadiens or to the Laval Rocket in the AHL.
A Torpedo-website translation confirms the arrangement, though it was an automatic translation service, so some nuances may have been lost in translation. Even though the Canadiens will need to wait a bit longer to add Konyushkov to their ranks, it’s noteworthy that Russian prospects frequently reach North America when their NHL team calls on them after the draft. The NCAA route is a different story, though that’s a digression.
Konyushkov represents a true wildcard for the Canadiens. He brings substantial professional experience, shoots right, and fits the mold of a modern, hybrid defenseman. He’s more comfortable in the offensive zone, yet he has made meaningful progress in his defensive game as well. Drafted in the fourth round, the very idea that we’re discussing his NHL potential is encouraging, since players picked that late rarely make a significant impact in the league.
Naturally, patience will be required before he can join the parent club, but it’s also fair to say that Montreal has evolved into a genuine hockey destination. The city’s reputation has shifted from being perceived as a secondary stop to being recognized as one of the premier hockey markets in the world.
Habs fans already gave Konyushkov a vote as the team’s No. 13 prospect in our annual rankings, and he’s among the 46 players currently being considered by Canadiens supporters for the 2026 edition of our prospect rankings. Make sure to cast your vote by clicking here; it only takes a few moments.