Konyushkov Talks About Decreased Playing Time and Loss of The 'C' After Voynov's Arrival

icon
4 min read
iconSep 16, 2024, 6:16 AMicon
Bogdan Konyushkov

Bogdan Konyushkov // Credit: HC Torpedo

 

Montreal Canadiens fans were seriously concerned when they saw that Bogdan Konyushkov was no longer the captain of Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL and was moved to the third pair of defensemen. What happened? Did Konyushkov, selected by the Canadiens in the fourth round as the 110th overall pick at the 2023 NHL Draft, somehow anger head coach Igor Larionov?

The answer turned out to be simple. Experienced defenseman Slava Voynov, who won two Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014 with the Los Angeles Kings, joined Torpedo in the offseason. The "С" letter went to Voynov along with the status of the leader in playing time at even strength and the powerplay.

"Overall, nothing has changed," Konyushkov told RG on Saturday after the game against Spartak (2-4). "When such an experienced player comes, all I can do is learn from his experience and listen to his tips. It's nice to be on the team with Voynov. He gives me tips on both defense and life. He's seen a lot. So, nothing has changed. I'm still a young player, although I now have more experience than my peers. I try to use as much playing time as I'm given as efficiently as possible. 

I think that sometimes reducing playing time makes you more efficient because your workload is reduced, which means there's less risk of injury. I hope that's how it will be. It all depends on me."

In the 2023-24 season, Konyushkov averaged 23:20 ice time per game, including 03:22 on the powerplay. In five games this season, his average ice time has dropped to 19:57 and 02:50 on the powerplay. These are the second-best indicators on the team after Voynov. Konyushkov played 65 games and scored 28 points (6 goals and 22 assists) last season. He has one goal in five games of this season.

"Voynov's experience is felt," said the 21-year-old defenseman. "But we haven't played many games yet, so I can't draw any specific conclusions about his influence on me yet. But he gives me much advice during training: how to fight, position the stick, and other details."

Konyushkov said he has "no connection" with the Canadiens, unlike SKA forward Ivan Demidov, who was selected fifth overall in the 2024 draft.

"They communicate so much with Demidov because he was chosen high in the draft, he is a top prospect. I don't have that," said Konyushkov. "I don't think ahead because I have at least two more years of contract with Torpedo. I am very happy to be here. Of course, if the opportunity arises, if the circumstances work out, if I am ready, I would like to try to play in the NHL. It is every boy's dream."

Konyushkov believes that "tomorrow" he is "not yet ready" to play in the NHL.

"It is difficult to evaluate myself, but I hope I will be ready soon," he said.

The Torpedo defenseman is not closely acquainted with Demidov and has never played against him. This could happen on September 21, when Torpedo hosts SKA.

"Demidov is an interesting guy," says Konyushkov. "I like his skills. There is a fashion for skilled and fast players now. Montreal fans are waiting for him for a reason. I think he will amaze them."

In his free time, Konyushkov hosts a podcast and already has a small but devoted fan base.

"I had an idea to invite Larionov, but I haven't gotten around to it yet," says Konyushkov. "First hockey, and then everything else. Why am I doing this? Hockey players are the same as actors. We entertain the public. I have a fan base that is interested in my life. I like telling them about myself and communicating with people."

Konyushkov has two years before he can leave for the NHL, which could be enough time to learn English and French.

"I'm learning languages, communicating with foreigners on the team," Konyushkov said. "I already know hockey slang quite well and can communicate with them off the ice, too. French will come with time, I think".

Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.

Interests:
icon
NHL
icon
EPL
icon
FIFA
icon
UCL
icon
NFL
icon
NBA
icon
tennis
icon
BWF
icon
Hiking
icon
Poker

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Hockey Writers

Daria Tuboltseva
Daria Tuboltseva
Hockey Reporter

Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals. 

Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.

Integrative nutritionist specializing on sports nutritionology.

James Murphy
James Murphy
NHL Reporter

With 24 years of experience (SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, ESPN Boston, NESN, NHL.com, etc.) covering the Bruins, the NHL, NCAA and junior hockey, and more, Jimmy Murphy’s hockey black book is filled with Hall of Famers, current players, coaches, management, scouts and a wide array of hockey media personalities that have lived in and around this great game. For 22 of his 24 years as a hockey and sports reporter, Murphy covered the Bruins on a daily basis, including their victorious 2011 Stanley Cup run and their runs to the 2013 and 2019 Finals. Murphy is currently a co-host, along with Pierre McGuire, on The Eye Test Podcast.

Jim Biringer
Jim Biringer
Reporter

Having 10 years of experience (SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Rod Pedersen Show, Raw Mike Richards Show, and more) covering the Devils, the NHL along with College Football, the NFL, and the tennis circuit Jim Biringer has wealth of sports knowledge. As one of Jim's hockey coaches put it he is a "student of the game." During his time as a sports reporter, Biringer has covered some of the biggest events including most recently the 2024 Stanley Cup Final along with several NHL Drafts. He is also the host of the Full Press Hockey Podcast and Final Word on Hockey plus Around Campus - The College Football Podcast.

Marco D'Amico
Marco D'Amico
Hockey Reporter

Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.

Show More