Roman Kantserov has arrived in Chicago with the confidence of a player who expects to be in the Blackhawks’ opening-night lineup, not merely auditioning for a roster spot. The 21-year-old winger has spent the first days of camp on the club’s top unit and is tracking toward an NHL debut Sept. 29 against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.
Chicago selected Kantserov with the 44th pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, and the organization sees a potential first-line piece in the Russian forward. He comes off a productive season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, posting 36 goals and 28 assists in 63 KHL games. He added four goals and four assists in 15 Gagarin Cup playoff contests as Metallurg reached the semifinals.
For now, Kantserov has been stationed at left wing beside Frank Nazar in the middle and Patrick Kane on the right. Kane, back for a second stint after helping Chicago win Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015, has quickly noticed both Kantserov’s skill and his willingness to engage with teammates.
“He’s a very smooth player with a lot of ability,” Kane said. “His English is pretty good, and he wants to communicate. He asks about the game, the drills and what I’m seeing on the ice. I want to know what he and Frank are seeing, too.”
Kane said the group found more rhythm as its latest practice went along and is eager to keep developing that connection.
A top-line look while Bedard recovers
Kantserov’s likely long-term center is Connor Bedard, who is expected back in November after left shoulder surgery following an injury sustained July 2. Until then, camp has offered Kantserov a chance to take meaningful reps with Nazar and Kane rather than being eased into a sheltered role.
General manager Kyle Davidson believes Kantserov’s three seasons in the KHL have made the transition less daunting. Playing against grown professionals, Davidson said, helps a young player understand a coach’s demands, adapt to a veteran room and arrive with some hard-earned poise.
Davidson said Kantserov carries himself like someone who knows he can contribute right away, rather than a prospect overwhelmed by the jump to the NHL.
Coach Jeff Blashill has been equally encouraged, particularly by what Kantserov does when his team does not have the puck. Blashill said the winger already plays a complete game, a valuable trait for a gifted offensive player making the move to North America.
“When a highly skilled guy comes in without that full-ice commitment, coaches have to teach him how to play away from the puck,” Blashill said. “That process can be difficult. Roman doesn’t need that education.”
Blashill said the main question from video work had been Kantserov’s pace, beyond straight-line skating alone. Through the opening days of camp, the coach believes that pace has looked strong. He also praised Kantserov’s ability to create offense without sacrificing defensive responsibilities.
Getting comfortable on and off the ice
The smaller North American rink remains another adjustment, but Kantserov did some advance work during the summer in Stamford, Connecticut. He trained at Prentiss alongside NHL players, including members of the New York Rangers and Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight.
Knight said Kantserov made noticeable gains in strength and mobility during those workouts. He also described the winger as charismatic, diligent and easy to be around.
The goaltender may also have helped ease Kantserov into life in the United States away from the rink. Knight recalled a stop for ice cream in which Kantserov asked whether he could order a donut, with Knight happy to approve the choice.
Chicago itself has made an immediate impression. Kantserov is staying in a downtown hotel near Michigan Avenue and the lakefront, with restaurants and shops nearby. He has already caught up with former Blackhawks forward Artem Anisimov, who told him the city has 15 Michelin-starred restaurants.
Kantserov said he would like to visit them when hockey allows, though his attention remains on camp and the season ahead.
There is naturally some nervousness in joining what he called the world’s best league, but Kantserov said he feels settled. Teammates have welcomed him through dinners, movies and time around the group, helping turn a major career move into a comfortable start.
“Everyone has supported me,” Kantserov said. “We talk, go out for dinner and go to movies. It has been fun, and I feel comfortable here.”
