​For the first time since his selection in the 2025 draft, fans got a glimpse of Alexander’s abilities on the ice at the Montreal Canadiens’ development camp, and the response was resoundingly positive. The young forward has already shown impressive hands and appears poised to build a bright NHL future. He remains in town, and on Saturday night he wowed spectators at the Make Your Move event.
Journalist Kevin Dubé of Le Journal de Montréal spoke with former Buffalo Sabres first-round pick Mikhail Grigorenko to get his take on the Habs’ prospect. Grigorenko, who skated in 249 NHL games and spent eight seasons in the KHL, winning three Gagarin Cups, spoke very highly of the youngster. “He’s excellent, he’s a very, very good player. He will spend another year in Russia, and then, I don’t know if he’ll make the jump straight to the NHL. He might need a year in the AHL, but I believe he has the potential to be a top-six player in the NHL.”
The Hockey News’ Ryan Kennedy also noted Canadiens’ depth by naming them a top-five NHL team in certain contexts, reflecting the evolving excitement around Montreal’s organization. Grigorenko’s own assessment points to potential that could shape the Canadiens’ future, especially given the unique circumstance of the player’s development path. Because he spent his formative years in Russia, he was not as visible to NHL scouts as players who competed in junior international events, which Dubé noted as a reason the Canadiens were able to claim him so late. Grigorenko stressed that this limited visibility likely obscured just how good the forward could become, describing the selection as a “steal” for Montreal.
Now 32, Grigorenko’s career has taken him through stints with the Sabres, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. He recognizes that a return to the NHL may be unlikely, but he seems at peace with that reality. He has found a more prominent role in the KHL and is financially comfortable, which he says suits his current life stage.
Attention will turn to how Zharovsky adapts to North American play late in the season. The KHL schedule runs from September 5 through March 20, with playoffs from March 23 to May 11, 2027. The Canadiens’ prospect is slated to return to Ufa Salavat Yulayev, and Montreal isn’t expected to be contending for the Gagarin Cup, potentially meaning his season in Russia concludes while the Canadiens remain active in the playoffs. Although KHL contracts typically end on May 31, it wouldn’t be surprising if his team releases him once its season ends—much as SKA St. Petersburg did when Ivan Demidov first joined the Habs.
Zharovsky earned KHL rookie of the year honors last season, compiling 42 points and 16 goals in 59 games. At development camp, he reiterated his commitment to becoming a responsible two-way forward, focusing on contributions at both ends of the ice. Follow Karine on X @KarineHains, Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social, and Threads @karinehains for updates and insights.