The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenceman Bogdan Konyushkov to a two-year entry-level contract, the team announced Wednesday. The deal will begin in the 2026-27 season.
Konyushkov's Background
Konyushkov, 22, is a native of Moscow, Russia. He spent the 2025-26 season playing for Nizhny Novgorod in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he recorded 3 goals and 18 assists for 21 points in 65 games. The 6-foot, 185-pound left-shot defenceman also added 2 assists in 5 playoff games.
Draft History
The Canadiens originally selected Konyushkov in the fourth round, 116th overall, at the 2023 NHL Draft. He has spent the past three seasons developing in the KHL, gaining valuable experience against top-level competition. According to the Canadiens' director of player development, Konyushkov has shown steady improvement and is ready to transition to North American hockey.
Impact on Canadiens' Blue Line
The signing adds depth to Montreal's defensive corps, which includes young players like Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson. Konyushkov is expected to compete for a roster spot during training camp. The Canadiens have prioritized adding skilled, puck-moving defencemen in recent years, and Konyushkov fits that profile. His two-way game and hockey IQ were cited as key reasons for the signing.
