Roman Kantserov is highly underrated and is playing great in the KHL.
As the Chicago Blackhawks rebuild continues to push forward, many have been keeping tabs on the team’s prospects and the progress they’ve made in their development.
This season, 2023 second-round draft pick Roman Kantserov has leaped forward in his progression and has shown he is a player worth getting excited about.
Kantserov was a under the radar player in his draft year. He was not talked about in the same conversation as other Russian-born players in his class such as Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia), Daniil But (Utah), Dmitry Simashev (Utah), and Mikhail Gulyayev (Colorado).
However, Kantserov’s production in the KHL since being drafted has to have Blackhawks’ management feeling very confident about their selection.
in 53 games last season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Kantserov posted 15 points which was impressive given how difficult it is for young players to earn their ice time in the KHL. He even continued to impress with 13 points in 23 playoff games en route to winning a championship.
Roman Kantserov's best season continues!
5-game point streak, 16 PTS in 18 GP (15 PTS in 53 GP last season). pic.twitter.com/cVI0eJSuyd
— KHL (@khl_eng) December 23, 2024
Roman Kantserov has reached new heights this season with 17 points in 18 games, surpassing last season’s totals in 35 fewer games.
The young forward plays a modern style of hockey by using his edge work and hockey IQ to be shifty on the ice despite his smaller frame of 5-foot-9 inches and 176 pounds.
Kantserov is known for his playmaking and creativity, but has developed his goal scoring ability this season to become a dual threat in the offensive zone.
Roman Kantserov's 2nd of the night is… OT-winner! pic.twitter.com/lOIO7ClWDG
— KHL (@khl_eng) December 23, 2024
Kantserov is under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season in the KHL and is expected to come over to play in North America after his contract expires.
Given how he has developed in one of the top professional leagues in the world, there is hope that he will be able to step into an NHL role upon his arrival in Chicago. The Blackhawks have been keen on letting players develop in Rockford (AHL), but his prior experience in the KHL could be enough to make him ready for the next step.
Though the arrival of Kantserov will not happen this season, him having another full-year in the KHL will help him to be even more ready for NHL action and will give the Blackhawks an exciting young player to step in and add more skill to the roster.
