Habs Get Creative With Konyushkov Deal | Here's Why!

Habs Get Creative With Konyushkov Deal | Here’s Why!

July 11, 2026



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The Montreal Canadiens have officially signed promising Russian defenseman Bogdan Konyushkov to his entry-level contract, but fans may have to wait before seeing him in Montreal.

In this episode of The Starr & D’Amico Show, Shaun Starr and Marco D’Amico break down what this signing means for the Canadiens, why Konyushkov is expected to remain in the KHL on loan for another season, and when he could realistically challenge for an NHL roster spot. We discuss his development, leadership experience in Russia, his strengths as a mobile right-shot defenseman, and where he fits into Montreal’s growing blue line.

Is Konyushkov another hidden gem for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton? Could he compete for a spot as early as 2027? We answer those questions and more while taking your comments live.

If you’re a Canadiens fan, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and join the conversation!

#montrealcanadiens #nhl #hockey

View Comments (17)

  2. Ok, woke up this morning with a renewed hatred for the mobster down south, extorting the Gordie Howe bridge toll $$. 33 years without a cup in Canada and we're still pretending it's normal. IT'S NOT FREAKIN NORMAL. I'm sick of the USNHL who will always make sure they get the cup and the money that comes with it, because, of course no American would watch hockey if a Canadian team was assured of the cup. What the hell are we doing pretending every year that we have a "chance", we don't! Not one expansion team in Canada in years, but US non hockey markets, like palm tree huggers get one. Let's stop pretending, and don't tell me politics has no place in sport. Infantino and Trump proved it. F-the NHL.

  3. Hey Marco do you see his ceiling as a 3rd pairing Dman? I was thinking his ceiling was closer to a 2nd pairing Dman. Ultimately an upgrade on Carrier. A player with Guhle like smarts, but less physical.

  5. I haven't seen full games, obviously, but from the highlights he doesn't seem to have the tools to perform at the NHL level… interesting nonetheless, might be a surprise. But I still can't really figure out what's going on with all these defensemen, there's starting to be too many clowns in that tiny car.

  6. The interesting thing among you guys and Basu/Godin is that Struble and Xhekaj are placeholders nothing more. I hear no discussion of them being part of a long term plan. I agree but just wouldn’t mind hearing more will they be trade chips

  8. offensive …defensive it is not about that at all it is about knowing WHEN making the correct decision consistently .
    I doubt most even realize what is going on the ice they see flash n dash they see the goal but they don't see all the decision making that happens in a split second.
    Carolina was brilliant in the playoffs the decision making was incredibly good whilst Mtl was the exact opposite bad decisions all over the ice and almost every shift.
    Point being it does not matter one bit about a RD or a LD the TEAM collectively has to make better decisions.
    The lack of offense versus Carolina was very obvious Mtl did not attack collectively the defense were looking to bail out quickly they looked afraid.Defensively Carolina pinched on the wings they don't give you EASY outs like Mtl does it is ALWAYS about smarter hockey not the individual players.

  10. Marco, is this also a prelude to Gleb contract , as they both play for the same team in Russia, maybe at the end of the year they want Gleb to come over for next year and have a player from his team would make it easier for him to come to Montreal

  12. I saw Florian play in Laval and it was exactly that: watching him when he wasn't on the ice, wasn't playing the puck. He was so great, rarely sat down, watched every play. He comes as advertised. Very excited about him.

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