The Chicago Blackhawks have bolstered their goaltending depth by signing 22-year-old Russian netminder Stanislav Berezhnoy to a two-year entry-level contract. The deal, which runs through the 2026–27 season, carries a salary cap hit of $975,000 per year.
Berezhnoy went undrafted but has steadily built a reputation in Russia’s developmental leagues. Over the past three seasons in the VHL, he posted a .918 save percentage across 54 games. His performance in the junior-level MHL with Omskie Yastreby was even more impressive, where he notched a .920 save percentage in 92 regular-season games, along with 10 shutouts. In postseason action, he held a stellar .926 save percentage across 24 appearances.
His 2024–25 campaign marked a career high, as he delivered a .928 save percentage over 27 games between Omskie Krylia (MHL) and SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (VHL). Berezhnoy stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 218 pounds, fitting the physical mold of today’s NHL goaltender. Known for his poise and athleticism in net, his consistency and calm demeanor made him an attractive addition for Chicago, despite having minimal KHL experience.
The signing continues a growing trend for the Blackhawks, who also drafted 20-year-old Russian goaltender Ilya Kanarsky in the 2025 NHL Draft. It’s clear the team is placing strong trust in its European scouting department.
With Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom expected to lead the NHL tandem, Berezhnoy is likely to begin his North American career in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, potentially pairing with Drew Commesso. Meanwhile, the status of Laurent Brossoit, who missed all of last season due to two knee surgeries, remains uncertain.
