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.org 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.
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.
