The Montreal Canadiens’ development camp this summer had plenty of storylines, but one name stood out above the rest — thanks largely to the intrigue that still surrounds him.
Bogdan Konyushkov — the 22-year-old defenseman drafted out of Russia in 2023 — finally slipped on a Canadiens sweater, skated with fellow prospects, and gave fans a first taste of what could be waiting down the road. Just one problem: he won’t be crossing the Atlantic full-time until 2027.
For a fanbase constantly searching for impact defensemen, that makes Konyushkov’s summer appearance feel like a teaser trailer for a movie that won’t hit theaters for another two and a half years. And yet, the brief glimpse left enough buzz to suggest that the Canadiens may have landed one of the quiet steals of recent drafts.
KHL Coach Igor Larionov has High Praise for Canadiens Prospect Bogdan Konyushkov
When the Canadiens spent a fourth-round pick (No. 110 overall) on Konyushkov in 2023, few expected much. He was undersized at the time and playing in the KHL, a league where young defenders often get buried behind veterans. But instead of fading into the background, he made waves almost immediately.
Konyushkov has been logging heavy minutes with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, proving himself against grown men in one of the world’s toughest leagues. His ice time alone paints the picture, averaging more than 20 minutes per game from his first season as a 19-year-old in 2022-23. It’s a workload that suggests his coaches trust him as more than just a developmental piece.
Konyushkov was also named the team’s captain in just his second season. Hockey legend Igor Larionov, Konyushkov’s first coach with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, said in a September 2023 interview with TVASports.ca that Konyushkov, who at the time was still a few months shy of his 21st birthday, would have immediately been a starter in the NHL.
“In my opinion, if I sent him to you today, he would be a key player for Montreal,” Larionov said. “I know the team, I know the players. I saw a few Canadiens games last season. And I know Bogdan: his skill level, his work ethic, his desire to be the best player. One thing is certain, he will become one of the best defensemen in the KHL. As for the NHL, he would be capable of playing there this year. He would be quite good.”
Patience Could Pay Off with Montreal’s ‘Next Gem’ Bogdan Konyushkov
Habs Fanatics has called Konyushkov Montreal’s “next gem,” citing his defensive play and hockey IQ, while noting that he carries himself with the calm maturity of a player who has already been playing pro for years. At camp, he wasn’t just another face in the drill line; he looked like someone who could challenge for a spot if he were available today.
And that’s the rub: he’s not.
Konyushkov’s KHL contract binds him to Torpedo until 2027, meaning Canadiens fans have to wait while he develops overseas. That’s both frustrating and tantalizing. The wait might dull some of the excitement, but if his trajectory holds, Montreal could be getting a 24-year-old ready to contribute immediately when the deal ends.
Until then, Canadiens fans will have to settle for updates from across the Atlantic — box scores, highlight clips, and the occasional development camp cameo. But sometimes the best things are worth waiting for.
GM Kent Hughes has emphasized patience as a pillar of the rebuild, and Konyushkov embodies that philosophy. He isn’t coming tomorrow, or even next year. But when he finally does arrive in Montreal, he’ll bring hockey smarts, pro seasoning, and the potential to stabilize a blue line that desperately needs long-term solutions.
The Canadiens got just a taste of him this summer. The full serving won’t come until 2027. And if Konyushkov continues on his path, that delayed gratification could turn out to be one of the smartest gambles of Montreal’s rebuild.
Montreal’s Mystery Prospect Looks NHL-Ready Now, But Habs Fans Must Wait