Ivan Demidov (Photo by HC SKA)
Alexei Zhamnov is no stranger to the highs and lows of professional hockey. Over the course of his 13-season NHL career, he played 807 games and racked up an impressive 719 points while suiting up for the Winnipeg Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Boston Bruins. Following his time in North America, he transitioned into coaching, most notably leading the Russian national team at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Now, as the head coach of Spartak Moscow in the KHL, Zhamnov remains deeply involved in the game, offering insights into the evolving landscape of hockey on both sides of the Atlantic.
With decades of experience as both a player and a coach, Zhamnov has a unique perspective on the current state of the NHL, the development of young talent, and the league’s biggest storylines. From Chicago’s rebuilding efforts to the rising stars poised to make an impact, he shares his thoughts on the league’s future while weighing in on Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record. For Zhamnov, the game continues to evolve, but one thing remains constant—the determination and resilience required to succeed at the highest level.
'Chicago Took Too Long to Rebuild'
Having spent eight seasons with the Blackhawks, Zhamnov keeps a close watch on the team’s progress. He believes, however, that the franchise’s rebuilding efforts started later than they should have.
“I follow Chicago, but they’re deep in a rebuild right now," Zhamnov told RG. "A new generation of players is coming in, and they’ve drafted plenty of promising talent. Every team goes through this cycle, but the Blackhawks waited too long to start. Now, they have to be patient and strengthen their roster.”
A key figure in Chicago’s future is Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. While many have already labeled him a future superstar, Zhamnov remains measured in his assessment.
“Connor Bedard is clearly talented, but his development depends entirely on him.
People are quick to make comparisons, but I wouldn’t rush to call him the next Jonathan Toews just yet. I watched him at the World Championship and in Chicago—you can see his high hockey IQ. He has the tools to be great, but whether he rises to that level remains to be seen.”
Montreal Needed Demidov More
One of the most talked-about prospects in the 2024 NHL Draft was Ivan Demidov. Many expected Chicago to select him with the second overall pick, but he ultimately landed with the Montreal Canadiens at No. 5. Zhamnov sees draft selections as strategic decisions tailored to each team’s needs.
“We never truly know what goes on behind the scenes at the draft or what discussions teams have. People can debate whether Chicago should have picked Demidov, but at the end of the day, Montreal needed him more. That’s why they took him.”
Zhamnov, who coached Demidov at the KHL All-Star Game, believes the young forward is well-equipped to transition to the NHL and could make his debut as soon as next season.
How Tsyplakov Chose the Islanders
In the summer of 2024, Spartak Moscow forward Maksim Tsyplakov signed with the New York Islanders. Before making his decision, he sought Zhamnov’s advice about making the jump to the NHL.
“Maksim asked for my thoughts before signing with the Islanders. I asked him, 'Are you confident in yourself?' He said, 'Yes.' So I told him, 'Then go for it.' And I wished him luck.”
Zhamnov believes Tsyplakov made the right choice by picking a team that truly valued him.
“Some teams might have played a style better suited to Maksim, but he wasn’t drafted, so he had to find a team that saw real potential in him. The Islanders had a place for him in their lineup. Based on the other teams his agent mentioned, I didn’t see where he’d have had a better opportunity. The Islanders’ system isn’t easy to adjust to, but they promised him a shot, and that’s what matters.”
'Ovechkin’s Record Will Be Broken… Someday
One of the biggest stories in the NHL right now is Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record. Zhamnov, who knows Ovechkin well, believes he has a strong chance of reaching the milestone.
“We all hope Ovechkin breaks Gretzky’s record this season. The biggest factor is his health—if he stays in good shape, he has a real shot.”
Despite the enormous expectations, Zhamnov is confident Ovechkin won’t be fazed as he approaches history.
“I don’t think Alexander will feel nervous as he closes in on the record. He’s been through everything at this stage of his career—there’s nothing left to rattle him. He’s got nerves of steel, so I wouldn’t worry about him handling the pressure.”
As for whether anyone will eventually surpass Ovechkin, Zhamnov believes it’s possible but unlikely to happen anytime soon.
“One day, someone will come along and break Ovechkin’s record. It’s inevitable. But we’re talking about decades down the line."
Daria Tuboltseva
