The Chicago Blackhawks continue to invest in their future as they rebuild their roster, and their latest move adds intrigue to their goaltending pipeline. The team officially announced the signing of 22-year-old Russian goaltender Stanislav Berezhnoy to a two-year, entry-level contract. If Berezhnoy reaches the NHL level, his deal will carry a cap hit of $975,000 per season.
Berezhnoy brings size and raw potential to the organization. Standing at 6-foot-4, he spent the majority of the 2024–25 season playing in Russia’s second-tier professional league, the VHL. He split time between two teams—Omskie Krylia and SKA-Neva St. Petersburg—where he made a solid impression. Across 27 games, Berezhnoy recorded a 12-10-2 record, a commendable 2.50 goals-against average (GAA), and an impressive .928 save percentage, ranking among the more efficient goalies in the league.
In addition to his VHL performance, Berezhnoy made a single appearance in the KHL—Russia’s top professional league—with SKA St. Petersburg. While it was a brief showing, he stopped 9 of 11 shots faced, offering a small glimpse of his ability to handle higher-level competition.
Chicago’s decision to sign Berezhnoy aligns with the team’s long-term development strategy. With the Blackhawks still in the midst of a rebuild and looking for long-term solutions between the pipes, there is minimal risk and potential upside in taking a chance on a young goalie with promising metrics. While Berezhnoy is expected to start in the AHL or ECHL, his strong frame, calm demeanor in net, and recent performance suggest he could be groomed into a reliable option down the line.
If his development continues on an upward path, Berezhnoy could eventually challenge for backup duties behind the current NHL starter or be used as a trade asset down the line. For now, he becomes another piece in the Blackhawks’ growing stockpile of young talent.
