Bogdan Konyushkov

September 2024 – In another unexpected twist, Bogdan Konyushkov has been relegated to the third pairing on Torpedo. Per sources closer to the KHL, this likely indicates that he is eyeing an early departure to North America, possibly for the 2025-26 season. Hopefully this significant demotion in ice time and role will not affect his development ahead of his not-too-distant North American debut. Aaron Itovitch

September 2024 – Bogdan Konyushov was unexpectedly stripped of the captaincy of Torpedo this week, ahead of the KHL season. This, however, is not a bad thing, as it signals the possibility of coming to North America ahead of his 2026 contract expiry is more likely than expected. It will be interesting to see what Konyushkov does with a second full season of first-pairing minutes, and if he can keep up the momentum he had in the KHL playoffs where he was dispatched over 26 minutes per night. There is no better place for him to develop right now, and the Montreal Canadiens may have an impact piece in the 21-year-old. Aaron Itovitch

July 2024 – Now the captain of Torpedo, Bogdan Konyushkov was one of the best defensemen in the KHL this past season. Playing an average of 26:34 in the KHL playoffs, Konyushkov was the team’s 1D, and anchor. While he is still a long ways out from coming to North America, in the mould of Alexander Nikishin, a blue chip prospect may be headed to Montreal in 2026. Aaron Itovitch

September 2023 – Konyushkov kicked off his second KHL campaign right where he belonged – on Torpedo’s first pair, playing a whopping 24:52. There aren’t many 20 year olds in the entire world who play a 1D role on a men’s team. What Konyushkov is doing is very special. It will be exciting to see how he does this year; he clearly has the support of his organization. Aaron Itovitch

July 2023 – Konyushkov may be my favourite player the Montreal Canadiens selected in the 2023 draft. The D+2 overager had a breakout year in the KHL this season, and cemented himself as a true NHL prospect. Less than a week after the draft, Konyushkov came to terms on a three-year extension with Torpedo, meaning he will likely only come over to the NHL at 24 years old. If he is already playing top-pairing minutes and top special teams minutes at 20, its safe to expect he’ll be NHL ready by the time he’s ready to make the jump. Konyushkov thrives along the boards, where his physicality and high-end stickwork makes him a puck-protecting threat. He’s a smart playmaker as well, completing long-range passes with surprising accuracy. He does become slightly lethargic in his own zone, and his passive play away from the puck has room for improvement. While it is impossible to know if he’ll ever come over at all, the Canadiens comfortably have a top-four piece in Konyushkov, which is phenomenal value for the fourth round. Aaron Itovitch