Hockey is officially back for two of the Montreal Canadiens’ promising young prospects, and the latest developments have clarified their immediate futures in no uncertain terms.
KHL training camps have opened, and both Alexander Zharovsky and Gleb Pugachyov are already on the ice with their respective clubs. The start of camp delivers a clear message: neither player will begin the upcoming season in the Canadiens organization. Their development path remains firmly rooted in the Kontinental Hockey League.
For many fans, this outcome was expected. Still, a segment of the fanbase held out hope—particularly regarding Zharovsky—that a change of plans might materialize after his time in Montreal this summer. That hope has now been extinguished. Zharovsky will return to Salavat Yulaev Ufa, while Pugachyov continues his growth with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, a club recognized for its work developing young talent.
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The Canadiens organization is placing its trust in another full KHL season to accelerate the progress of both players. The geographical distance will make day-to-day evaluation more challenging. Montreal will lean heavily on scouting reports and video analysis to track their development—an unavoidable reality when prospects remain overseas.
Zharovsky’s summer stint in Montreal should still pay dividends. He heads back to Russia with a sharper understanding of the organization he ultimately hopes to join. The experience offers valuable context and motivation as he continues refining his game in the KHL.
Pugachyov, for his part, is focused on solidifying his identity as a big, physical forward. The next step is proving that his tools and style can consistently translate at the professional level. Torpedo’s environment is expected to provide the minutes and competitive pressure necessary for that growth.
The return of KHL hockey marks the next chapter in the development of both prospects. While neither will be wearing a Canadiens sweater when the NHL season begins, Montreal’s long-term plan remains intact: allow these young players to mature in a high-level professional league before eventually bringing them across the Atlantic. For now, the focus stays on Ufa and Nizhny Novgorod—where the next phase of their journeys has already begun.