The Chicago Blackhawks have made another significant addition to their growing core of young talent, officially signing a towering Russian goaltender to a two-year, entry-level contract that will run through the 2026–27 NHL season. The deal includes an annual $975,000 salary cap hit and is the latest in a series of strategic moves aimed at rebuilding Chicago’s foundation from the crease out.
The goaltender, a 22-year-old native of Novokuznetsk, Russia, brings a strong resume from his time in Europe and an imposing physical presence that fits the mold of a modern NHL netminder. At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, he has the size, strength, and positional maturity to potentially transition smoothly into the North American game. His signing comes on the heels of an impressive campaign in the Supreme Hockey League (VHL)—Russia’s second-tier professional league—which served as a proving ground for his skills and readiness to take the next step.
During the 2024–25 season, he split time between Omskie Krylia and SKA-Neva St. Petersburg, appearing in 27 regular-season games and posting a 12-10-2 record. More notably, he finished the season with a stellar .928 save percentage and a 2.50 goals-against average, along with one shutout. These numbers positioned him among the top VHL goaltenders for the season and helped solidify his status as an under-the-radar prospect worthy of NHL attention.
His performance extended into the postseason, where he made eight playoff appearances, recording a 4-3-0 record, a .921 save percentage, and a 2.66 GAA. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure, his playoff stats further demonstrated his ability to handle high-stakes situations and deliver consistent performances in critical games.
In addition to his strong showing in the VHL, the goaltender also earned a call-up to SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL)—widely regarded as the top league in Europe. Though he only appeared in one KHL game, the opportunity marked a critical milestone in his development, giving him a taste of elite-level competition and exposure to NHL-caliber pace and systems.
Strong Developmental History in Junior Hockey
Prior to his professional experience, the goaltender built a solid foundation in Russia’s Junior Hockey League (MHL) with Omskie Yastrby, one of the country’s most reputable junior programs. Over the course of 92 regular-season games, he compiled an impressive 48-24-4 record, with a .920 save percentage, a 2.46 goals-against average, and 10 shutouts. His consistent production and leadership helped establish him as a top performer at the junior level.
In three playoff runs with the same club, he continued to shine under pressure, going 15-8-1 with a .926 save percentage, a 2.42 GAA, and two more shutouts. These postseason numbers are especially notable, as they speak to his composure, endurance, and ability to raise his game when it matters most—critical traits for goaltenders hoping to transition to the NHL.
Undrafted, But Undeniably Worthy
What makes this signing even more compelling is the fact that the goaltender was never selected in the NHL Draft. Rather than being identified early by North American scouts, he climbed the ranks on the strength of his performance alone. His undrafted status is not a reflection of his skill level, but rather a sign of his late emergence as a top-tier goaltending prospect. His perseverance and steady progression did not go unnoticed by Chicago’s front office, who moved to secure him as a key piece in their long-term rebuild.
In recent years, the NHL has seen a growing number of successful undrafted goaltenders rise through the ranks, and the Blackhawks are clearly betting that this young Russian netminder could be the next to follow that path.
What Lies Ahead
The next step in the goaltender’s journey will likely involve joining the Rockford IceHogs, the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, for further development. However, depending on organizational needs and the player’s own preferences, it’s also possible he could remain in Russia for another season before making a full-time transition to North America. Either way, the Blackhawks now have control over his development path and will work closely with him to ensure he’s ready when his time comes.
The team’s goaltending depth chart already includes a mix of prospects at various stages of development, and this signing adds another legitimate competitor into the mix. With his combination of size, strong fundamentals, international experience, and mental toughness, the goaltender is expected to compete for a long-term role within the organization—potentially even pushing for NHL minutes down the line.
Organizational Impact
For the Blackhawks, this move reflects a broader organizational strategy centered on stockpiling high-upside talent, particularly in key positions like goaltending. With a roster in transition and a franchise focused on long-term success, every signing matters—and this one brings both potential and flexibility to the team’s future.
This is not just about adding a backup goalie or a developmental piece. The signing signals a serious investment in a player who has already proven himself at multiple levels and is now being given a chance to do so on hockey’s biggest stage. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could become a valuable part of Chicago’s return to playoff contention in the seasons ahead.
The contract is now official, and the work begins. For the Blackhawks, it’s a smart, strategic move. For the goaltender, it’s a well-earned opportunity to prove himself at the highest level. And for fans, it’s another reason to stay hopeful about the future of hockey in Chicago.
