Blackhawks Top Prospect Roman Kantserov Coming To North America

Blackhawks Top Prospect Roman Kantserov Coming To North America

What a start to the weekend for the Chicago Blackhawks! Early on Friday morning, Metallurg Magnitogorsk announced on social media that Roman Kantserov, a 2023 second-round pick (No. 44 overall) by the Blackhawks, had his contract terminated with the KHL club to come over to North America.

Kantserov is expected to sign a three-year, entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

The 21-year-old forward led the KHL with 36 goals during the 2025-26 regular season for Magnitogorsk and became the first player age 21 or younger in league history to finish with a 1.00 points-per-game margin or better. Kantserov tallied 64 points in 63 games, which was tied for ninth in the KHL in scoring.

Kantserov coming over to North America isn’t a major surprise, but it’s notable that he made the decision less than one week after Magnitogorsk was eliminated from the Gagarin Cup Playoffs. Sometimes, these transitions don’t go as seamless. This is a significant box for Blackhawks’ GM Kyle Davidson to check off his to-do list early in the offseason.

Looking ahead, Kantserov likely fits somewhere into the Blackhawks’ top-six forward group for the 2025-26 season and should have a role on the top power-play unit. It’s worth pointing out that he moved from wing to center in the KHL this past season, but he likely will start out his NHL career on the wing. Kantserov is a smaller forward at only 5-foot-9, but plays with a high motor and takes his defensive responsibilities seriously. It will be interesting to see if head coach Jeff Blashill has him alongside Connor Bedard on the first line when training camp rolls around in the fall.

Kantserov also found tons of success in the bumper role on Magnitogorsk’s man advantage, regularly ripping home one-timers from the slot. He was effective with net-front redirects, too. With Bedard and Nazar on the circles, and now a dangerous sniper in the middle, the Blackhawks have the firepower to be one of the most dangerous power plays in the NHL next year.

For more Blackhawks news, visit and like our .