Few prospects have stirred as much excitement—and skepticism—among Montreal Canadiens fans as Alexander Zharovsky.

The young Russian forward, just 18 years old, has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in the organization’s pipeline, thanks to his dazzling playmaking skills and undeniable raw talent.

But as Zharovsky took his first steps onto the KHL ice in a preseason matchup, the narrative surrounding his future took an unexpected twist.

Drafted 34th overall, Zharovsky is already making headlines for both his impressive highlights and the lingering questions that shadow his development. Standing at 6’1” but weighing only 163 pounds, he’s a player built more for finesse than power—a fact that has some fans on edge.

Yesterday’s game saw Zharovsky not only switch positions but also provide a glimpse of both his promise and his weaknesses, leaving everyone wondering what’s next.

Will this highly-touted prospect silence his doubters and secure a permanent spot with his KHL team? Or will his lack of finishing and physicality prove to be a stumbling block?

As coaches and scouts continue to weigh in, one thing is certain: Zharovsky’s journey is just beginning, and the Canadiens’ gamble on his potential is far from settled.

Montreal Canadiens prospect Alexander Zharovsky

Photo credit: All Habs

Alexander Zharovsky played his first preseason game in the KHL yesterday, a match in which he recorded an assist but also reinforced the concerns some fans have about him..

Alexander Zharovsky is the 18-year-old Russian right winger on whom the Canadiens took a gamble in the most recent draft.

Selected 34th overall, he stands 6’1″.. but weighs just 163 pounds.

It’s because of his raw talent that the Canadiens decided to draft him. According to some scouts, he’s a magician with the puck: elite stickhandling, superior vision, precise passing, and creativity that unsettles defenders.

Last year, he dominated the MHL with 50 points in 45 games before making the jump to the KHL for the playoffs. His skating lacks power, but he’s improving. He’s considered a prospect with top-6 NHL potential.

A First Game at Center for Zharovsky Who Lacked Finishing

If Canadiens fans expected to see the young man patrolling the right wing of his line, it was actually at center that Zharovsky played yesterday.. and he generally did a solid job.

He also picked up a (primary) assist on a nice play in a 3-2 shootout loss. Here’s the pass in question:

Let’s remember that the main concern among fans after Alexander Zharovsky’s draft was his lack of finishing when it comes to “putting it in the net,” and let’s just say the young man did nothing to ease those concerns yesterday, completely botching his attempt in the shootout.

Canadiens prospect Alexander Zharovsky is rising fast – and his KHL coach Viktor Kozlov says it’s all earned: “No favors from me.”

It will be interesting to see in the coming days whether Zharovsky manages to earn a regular spot in the KHL or if he’ll be shuttling between Russia’s top league and the minors.. and whether he continues to play center. If that’s the case, Kent Hughes and the Canadiens likely won’t complain.