Yevgeni Volokhin (Photo by khl.ru)
Yevgeni Volokhin has had a promising developmental path since being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens 144th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. After a couple of strong seasons in the Russian junior league, the MHL, Volokhin was fast-tracked to the KHL this season, playing 28 games for HC Sochi.
Despite playing behind one of the weakest teams in the league, Volokhin performed admirably, posting a .901 save percentage. The 20-year-old is expected to backstop Sochi again next season as he continues to develop and bide his time before coming over to Montreal in a few years.
Drafted Late, but Not Discouraged
At the moment of his selection in 2023, the young goaltender had put up some of the best numbers in the Russian junior league for a draft-eligible goaltender, but Volokhin didn’t care. He just wanted to hear his name get called out.
“At the time, being drafted meant a lot to me,” Volokhin shared in an exclusive interview with RG. “It’s hard to describe the feeling; I was happy. It felt like I achieved something important.”
Despite developing a chip on his shoulder, Volokhin remains confident and believes that being drafted isn’t that important, although he’s happy to have been chosen by a team like Montreal.
“They explained to me that it doesn’t really matter when a goalie is picked, as long as you’re drafted—it simplifies things when going overseas,” explained Volokhin. “Honestly, if I hadn’t been drafted, I wouldn’t have been too upset. I could’ve joined any team at any time. Now, I’m attached to one club, and I’m very comfortable with Montreal.”
In looking to maintain a consistent channel of communication with their young prospect, Volokhin regularly keeps in touch with Nikolai Bobrov, the Canadiens’ Director of Amateur Scouting.
“We call or text every two or three weeks. Whenever there’s something important, we talk,” explained Volokhin. “Sometimes, they offer me advice about my game or mental preparation.”
He plans to attend the Canadiens’ development camp this summer and stays in touch with other Russian prospects in the organization. After the draft, he spoke with Torpedo defenseman Bogdan Konyushkov, and the two later played together on Russia’s U25 national team. He also knows Ivan Demidov, who has already signed with the Canadiens and made his NHL debut.
“It will be awesome in the future,” Volokhin said, commenting on Demidov’s NHL move.
Eye on Montreal and the Future
Volokhin follows the Canadiens and their goalies closely.
“I know about their starter, Montembeault—he’s good, I like him. I’ve also heard of Jakub Dobes but haven’t followed him much. It’s probably too soon since I haven’t arrived in the NHL yet,” said the young goaltender.
With his contract with Sochi/SKA is set to expire by the summer of 2027, Volokhin remains open to the possibility of moving to the NHL.
“We’ll see. Nobody knows what might happen next season or even next week,” cautioned Volokhin. “Everything’s uncertain. Maybe I’ll be there in two years if I’m physically and mentally ready.”
When discussing the passion of hockey fans, Volokhin immediately brought up the Montreal Canadiens, known for having some of the most passionate supporters in the league:
“Of course, I follow hockey closely. I really enjoy playing in front of loud fans. And if they’re cheering for you, it’s even better,” said Volokhin. “Fan pressure won’t bother me—it’ll help me.”
For Volokhin, playing in the NHL has always been more than a dream; it’s been a clear goal.
“My dream is to become an NHL star. My goal is to succeed there.”
Goalies to Watch
Volokhin studies the game closely and pays special attention to goaltenders he admires—both from North America and Russia. He draws inspiration from how they play and carry themselves on the ice.
“Demko from Vancouver—he moves and reads the game very well,” Volokhin said. “Podjapolsky from Dynamo—I like his style and his presence in goal. And Vasilevskiy and Shesterkin, Russian legends. Bobrovsky, of course, too. They’re dominating the NHL.”
Among all the goalies he follows, one stands out above the rest: Pekka Rinne, the longtime Nashville Predators star and one of the most respected goalies of his era.
“My idol has always been Pekka Rinne. I like everything about him—his playing style, how he moves, his creativity, and his adventures on ice,” continued Volokhin. “I even chose my number in his honor. For me, Rinne is number one forever. Henrik Lundqvist is second.”
Childhood Passion, Lifelong Ambition
Volokhin’s interest in North American hockey began at an early age. As a child, he would wake up at the crack of dawn to watch NHL games:
Volokhin is more than just a promising prospect—he’s a focused, driven goaltender with a clear vision of where he wants to be. With strong mentors to look up to, a growing resume in the KHL, and a mature understanding of the path ahead, he’s steadily building toward an NHL future.
Whether it’s learning from legends like Pekka Rinne, staying in close contact with Montreal’s development staff, or preparing to take the next step in North America, Volokhin is approaching his journey with patience, purpose, and passion. If his trajectory continues, Canadiens fans may one day wake up early to watch him the same way he once woke up to watch his own heroes.
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.
