The Blackhawks wrapped up the 2025 NHL Draft by picking up a goalie from Russia: Ilya Kanarsky.
another Ilya? why not! pic.twitter.com/L1kgJaQyjd
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 28, 2025
At 20, Kanarsky is another overager who appears to be trending in the right direction overall, though his sample sizes in non-junior leagues is limited. The lanky Moscow-born netminder has spent the bulk of his development in the MHL (Russia’s top junior legaue) with AKM Tula where he compiled a solid body of work: over 60 career games from 2021 to 2025, Kanarsky posted a .921 save percentage and a 3.19 goals-against average. His most recent season was by far his most promising: a .931 save percentage and 2.30 GAA in 14 appearances, signaling real progress despite the small sample. While the sample size remains limited, those are strong credentials in a league known for high shot volumes and inconsistent team defense.
Kanarsky also did get a to start three games with AKM Tula‘s VHL squad late in the season and posted a .942 save percentage and 1.36 goals-against average.