Bogdan Konyushkov, Alexander Carrier’s next backup?

Marc-Olivier Cook
Bogdan Konyushkov, Alexander Carrier’s next backup?
Credit: Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Bogdan Konyushkov has signed his entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens.

Good news!

We know the defenseman will be back in Russia next season on loan. But we can expect to see him arrive in North America once his season is over, and that, too, is good news.

What can we expect from Bogdan?

In fact, we know he's a strong skater. We know he has a bit of an offensive touch to his game and that he's reliable in his own zone. We're talking about a guy who won't turn things around in Montreal overnight, but who has the potential to be a valuable player on the Canadiens' defensive corps.

And there might be a connection to be drawn between the Russian and Alexandre Carrier. Because, as Nicolas Cloutier mentioned on X, it's true that the two guys have a similar style on the ice.

Carrier, like Konyushkov, is effective in all three zones of the rink.

The Quebec native averaged 18 and 22 points in his last two seasons: I get the impression we can expect similar production from Konyushkov over the course of his NHL career, as he tallied 38 points in 67 games last season in the KHL.

But where the real difference lies is in their respective physiques.

Carrier is 5'11” and weighs 174 pounds, while Bogdan (who is 23 years old) is 6'0” and weighs 171 pounds…

If Bogdan Konyushkov can become an Alexandre Carrier, the Canadiens' management will be satisfied (and the fans probably will be, too).

Because even if the Quebec native doesn't change everything, he still has a certain role to play in Montreal… and that's what we'll want to see from Konyushkov as well.


In a nutshell

– It might not be as crazy as it sounds.

– Good question…

– It's really different.

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