“Love my bald GM” “Habs got fleeced”: NHL fans react as Canadiens draft Alexander Zharovsky after trading for Hurricanes' 34th pick

By Ankit Kumar

Published Jun 28, 2025 17:55 GMT

NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn — Montreal Canadiens traded from Hurricanes to draft Alexander Zharovsky (Source: Imagn)

The Montreal Canadiens traded up to get the 34th pick from the Carolina Hurricanes and drafted Russian winger Alexander Zharovsky. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the trade by Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes on X.

Zharovsky played in the MHL last season, Russia’s top junior league. He scored 24 goals and 50 points in 45 games for Tolpar Ufa. He is listed at 165 pounds but is known for taking on defenders one-on-one.

Hockey writer Marco D’Amico said many teams wanted Zharovsky. He called the pick high-upside and said Montreal was aggressive to get him.

Some fans liked the move, while others questioned the trade. Here are some other reactions from fans to the Habs' move:

The Canadiens took a chance on a skilled player early in the second round, and now time will tell how the pick works out for the Habs.

Alexander Zharovsky has the potential to be a top-six forward

Alexander Zharovsky, an 18-year-old winger, stands 6-foot-1. He will need to gain strength in order to handle the physical play in North America. His skating is adequate but not a major strength.

What stands out is his puck control. Zharovsky has good hands. Sports Illustrated’s Tyler Major-Mcnicol said Zharovsky is a smart stickhandler who can fake out defenders. So he could be a top-six forward for the Habs in the NHL.

Zharovsky's development will take time, but the Canadiens are betting on his offensive skill and upside.

About the author

Ankit is an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 3 years of experience in the writing industry. He has expertise in sports, product, and travel content writing. His interest in ice hockey was piqued after watching Sidney Crosby play and he has been passionately following the game since then. Ankit admires Crosby’s personality and hockey IQ, and when he crossed the 1,500 points tally, Ankit was among the biggest fans to celebrate the occasion.

An Edmonton Oilers fan because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Ankit also admires the Pittsburgh Penguins due to Crosby and the Colorado Avalanche for Nathan MacKinnon. He is also a fan of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language, Ankit believes his education has helped him develop a knack for presenting information in a precise and compelling manner. He only sources information from credible avenues and trusted people from his network for his articles.

When he is not watching or writing about the NHL, Ankit loves listening to music and reading books.

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