Key Takeaways
- Alexander Zharovsky broke onto the scene in the KHL playoffs this past season and made his presence immediately felt.
- Salavat Yulaev Ufa head coach Viktor Kozlov spoke to RG about what he saw from Zharovsky and his development with Ufa.
- Kozlov also discussed the youngster's future with the Canadiens and what he envisions for him after Montreal recently drafted him.
Alexander Zharovsky (Photo courtesy of MHL)
When a teenage forward steps into the KHL playoffs and doesn’t just survive—but thrives—that gets noticed. And that’s exactly what Alexander Zharovsky did for Salavat Yulaev Ufa. The 18-year-old’s maturity and poise turned heads, including that of his own head coach, Viktor Kozlov, who didn’t hesitate to give the young forward an extended look when the lights were brightest.
In a candid and insightful interview, Kozlov broke down Zharovsky’s playoff debut, the qualities that earned him ice time, and what the future might look like for the Montreal Canadiens prospect as he continues to develop in the KHL.
A Surprise Call-Up Turned Statement Opportunity
Heading into the KHL postseason, Zharovsky wasn’t supposed to be in the lineup. But an injury to one of Ufa’s under-21 players forced Kozlov to call up the MHL standout on short notice. At first, the plan was modest: suit him up, give him a taste of the atmosphere, and maybe a shift or two.
“We brought Zharovsky up for the playoffs because one of our under-21 players got injured,” Kozlov explained in an exclusive interview with RG. “Initially, I thought I’d just dress him, maybe give him one or two shifts.”
But what Kozlov saw in those early moments changed everything.
“When he stepped on the ice, I noticed he didn’t seem nervous. I liked that. I liked how he always had a clear plan when he had the puck. He either passed it directly to a teammate, took a shot, or made a move himself—he wasn’t just getting rid of it.”
That level of decisiveness stood out in a setting where even veteran players can tighten up. Zharovsky didn’t panic, didn’t play hot potato with the puck—he made calculated decisions, and quickly earned more responsibility.
“In his first playoff game against Spartak, he played the entire first period. I didn’t play him in the second and third periods of that game, but he earned more ice time in the next game and gradually played more and more. He clearly has something special; he pleasantly surprised me.”
For Kozlov, confidence in a young player is valuable—so long as it doesn’t turn into entitlement. What impressed him most about Zharovsky wasn’t just the way he moved the puck or read the ice, but how he never seemed overwhelmed by the moment.
“It was clear right away that he wasn’t overwhelmed,” Kozlov said. “He wasn’t just standing around watching; he actively played and did so confidently.”
Zharovsky didn’t fade into the background or play timid. He took initiative, made smart reads, and created offense—exactly what a coach wants from a young call-up.
“It’s obvious that, playing like that, he can create scoring chances. That’s why I gave him ice time. He earned every minute he got—no favors from me.”
That last sentence felt particularly pointed. In a league where top prospects are usually cast to the side when games get more intense, Zharovsky earned his stripes the hard way.
This is why the Montreal Canadiens were so aggressive in trading up for Zharovsky at the 2025 NHL Draft; paying a hefty price (41st and 48th overall picks to move up to 34th overall) to draft the young forward.
Vision For Next Season
Next season could mark a major turning point in Zharovsky’s career. With a spot in Ufa’s regular lineup up for grabs, Kozlov made it clear the opportunity is there—but it’s far from guaranteed.
“That will depend entirely on him,” Kozlov said. “He’ll definitely get his chance, and he’ll have room to make mistakes.”
Development isn’t just about ice time—it’s about approach. And Kozlov sees maturity in Zharovsky’s mindset as well as his game.
“The most important thing is his attitude towards work—he needs to think about the team rather than his own individual plays. And I think he’s got a great chance to succeed. He’s humble, and that gives me optimism.”
But Kozlov also cautioned against the common trap of early success going to a player’s head.
While many NHL fans are eager to see their team’s prospects arrive as quickly as possible, Kozlov urges patience in Zharovsky’s case—and even points to a strong precedent.
“I think that makes perfect sense in Zharovsky’s case,” he said. “He needs time to physically mature and get stronger, so he can enter the NHL in a similar way Kirill Kaprizov did. That’s the ideal scenario.”
The goal isn’t to rush him into the NHL—it’s to prepare him for it; with a few laughs along the way.
“So let Montreal come visit us, think about how they’d like to see Zharovsky develop, and when the time comes, we’ll think about whether we’ll let them (the Canadiens) have him (laughs).”
Kozlov fully intends to prepare Zharovsky to be a top player in the KHL to prep him for his eventual jump to the NHL. And, although he did poke fun at the anxiety many fans feel when it comes to Russian players in the KHL, Kozlov remains focused on doing what’s best for the young forward.
No Communication With Montreal Yet
Unlike with Ivan Demidov and SKA last summer, there haven’t been any formal discussions yet between Ufa and the Canadiens regarding Zharovsky’s development.
“We haven’t had that kind of contact yet,” Kozlov admitted. “But honestly, I’m not even sure if we should.”
This isn’t to say that the two sides shouldn’t have any touchpoints throughout the year. Kozlov simply feels like he could be trusted to advance his club’s desire to win, all while bringing Zharovsky along on his development path.
That being said, Kozlov left the door open for collaboration with the Montreal Canadiens—and even offered a friendly invitation.
“We’re always open to exchanging experiences at all levels. Martin St. Louis and I are about the same age, and if they’re free in August and have nothing better to do, they’re more than welcome to come to our training camp in Ufa (laughs).”
Despite the jokes, Kozlov seems intent on giving Alexander Zharovsky the opportunity to not only prove himself in the KHL, but also make a name for himself as he prepares for his dream of one day playing in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens.
