At just 20 and in the KHL, Bogdan Konyushkov ranked No. 1 on his team among defensemen for assists (23).
That’s still impressive.
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) June 29, 2023
Bogdan Konyushkov: in the CH’s eyes, he deserved to be drafted two rounds earlier
Auteur: Manuel Sperandio-LemayIn the last amateur draft, the Habs drafted a Russian defenseman named Bogdan Konyshkov in the fourth round. He was the club’s fourth choice (after David Reinbacher, Jacob Fowler and Florian Xhekaj), and although he was little-known, he had performed well offensively in the KHL last year.
It’s rare to see 20-year-olds produce so much in Russia.
He’s a little older, of course, but we saw at the draft that the Habs didn’t mind too much. This means the prospects are closer (in age) to the team’s current core, and everyone will mature around the same age.
Especially since, in the eyes of Nick Bobrov and the CH, we’re talking about a guy who really could have been drafted earlier in terms of pure talent. At least, that’s what Bobrov said during the behind-the-scenes video of the Tricolore draft (around 13:40), when he talked about the youngster’s performance last year:
If an overager in the NCAA had done the same as he did last year, he’d be drafted in the second round. – Nick Bobrov
Obviously, this illustrates the youngster’s talent, but it also shows that the fact that he’s playing in Russia has worked against him. Whether it’s because he’s had less coverage, or because of the risk of him staying in the KHL for a long time (if not forever), the fact remains that the Russian factor may have knocked him out of two whole rounds.
And as it happens, his new three-year contract, which will keep him in Russia until he’s 24, brings another element of risk. That’s something you can afford in the fourth round, though, because it’s with late-round picks that you have to go for home runs and hope to get lucky.
I can’t wait to see what the next few years hold for Konyushkov. I don’t know if we’ll ever see him in Montreal, but I wouldn’t blame the Habs for taking a chance in the fourth round on a player who, in their eyes, had the caliber of a second-round pick.
In gusto
– Great class from the Senators’ captain.
Congratulations on a great career! Wish you all the best in the next chapter. https://t.co/bgm2cw6NLE
– brady tkachuk (@BradyTkachuk71) September 2, 2023
– Carlos Alcaraz continues his journey at Flushing Meadows.
“He was a tough opponent. I’m very, very happy to have made it” 🤗🎾 https://t.co/aLZU8i5wOb
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) September 2, 2023
– A great story.
After three and a half years of retirement and the birth of two children, Caroline Wozniacki returned to competition in August and will play starting Sunday in the Round of 8 at the US Openđź’Şđź‘Źhttps://t.co/4sAw9mQLrO
– RDS (@RDSca) September 2, 2023
– Oops.
More sound management for the Angels. https://t.co/qRCwhNOxTj
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) September 2, 2023
– As a Timberwolves fan, I’m obviously partial to Anthony Edwards.
With their recent performances for Team USA, Anthony Edwards, Mikal Bridges and Austin Reaves are helping their respective bids. https://t.co/pHtPAbklN3
– AlleyOop360 (@AlleyOop360) September 2, 2023