Canadiens' Plan for Top Prospect Derailed Due to Big-Money Extension Overseas

In Montreal, fans and management can be happy with the state of the team. After some rough years, the team is finally ready to turn a corner, with youngsters Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov leading the charge.

If the team can count on a solid forward group, the same can be said about the defensive depth in the organization.

Indeed, multiple analysts agree that after Noah Dobson's acquisition, the blue line in Montreal is among the best of all the NHL.

Unless either one of them ends up traded, Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, Noah Dobson, Alexandre Carrier, Mike Matheson, Arber Xhekaj and/or Jayden Struble will start the year in Montreal.

That means there isn't much space for other prospects, like David Reinbacher, Adam Engstrom, and Bogdan Konyushkov as of now.

In a new development, Konyushkov opted to remain in Russia, signing a one-year contract extension.

A few days ago, it was announced that Konyushkov, who was already under contract until the end of the next season, will remain in Russia for an additional year.

He will spend the next two years with the Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, with a $378,000 USD salary this coming season and a little over $500,000 USD in 2026-27.

This decision was financial. When (or if) he ends up coming to North America, he'll be only eligible to sign a one-year entry-level contract, meaning he will be able to get a regular contract with a higher salary sooner.

Konyushkov is a reliable right-handed defenseman, and the delay in his arrival could alter the Habs' plan. Some suggested GM Kent Hughes could be tempted to add another RHD before next season.

But with the current depth at that position, it would be surprising to see Hughes make a move.

Last season, the 22-year-old defenseman scored 17 points and was the team's ice-time leader. It'll be interesting to see if he'll end up playing for Montreal or elsewhere.