New York Rangers Prospect Gains Massive Confidence Boosted By Famous Family Relative
Photo credit: KHL.RU
Former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar was a problem for the Rangers during the majority of his career, playing in the Metropolitan Division. This time around, he'll be working to help the team succeed, as his nephew, Artyom is a prospect for the team, and he's been working on boosting his confidence.
The New York Rangers selected Artyom Gonchar in the third round (89th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft. Gonchar has found a positive force in his former NHL star, uncle Sergei, who has supported him through thick and thin.
«He always supports me and says he sees potential in me. He never puts any limits on me,» Artyom explained in a recent translated interview in his native Russia. «The fact that such a great figure in the hockey world praises my game really boosts my confidence.»
With hope, some of Sergei's influence and greatness could rub off on the young defenseman, preparing him for a successful journey to the NHL.
Sergei Gonchar recorded 811 points (220 goals, 591 assists) in 1,301 NHL games, more than any other Russia-born defenseman in League history.
Gonchar also helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup in 2009
Gonchar has found success in the KHL's junior league with Stalnye Lisy, leading all defensemen in the MHL scoring 25 points in 50 games. After his selection by the Rangers, he's made the jump to Canada, being drafted by the Sudbury Wolves, effectively joining the CHL for the 2025-26 season.
«Artem is a player that we have been high on from this past season,» Sudbury general manager Rob Papineau explained. «He is a very intelligent smooth skating defenseman who was just selected in the third round in the NHL. He has great vision and offensive instincts and is a skilled playmaker.»
Sergei remains connected to the NHL as he's a development coach with the Vancouver Canucks and sets aside time to discuss the mistakes and flaws of his game in order to improve.
«We'd call after each of my games and go over my mistakes: what I did well and what I didn't,» Artyom explained.
«My uncle helps me get stronger. Ever since I joined Stalnye Lisy, we started talking more about my game.»
«My uncle helps me get stronger. Ever since I joined Stalnye Lisy, we started talking more about my game.»
Artyom, still has a ways to go before he fully fills out. At 6-foot-1, 165 pounds, he'll need to put on more weight before he matches Sergei at his prime at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds.
«I like a physical style of hockey - I enjoy hitting and closing in on opponents,» Artyom said. «I know how to deliver body checks even without a lot of weight, but always according to the situation. The main thing is to keep possession of the puck.»
Especially if he plans on playing a heavy, physical game in the NHL.
He's been working on improving his shot with coach Viktor Postnikov, who dedicated time this summer to work on his shooting abilities. In addition to that, he's worked on adding 15 pounds of muscle in order to bulk up.
Can he be an impact player like his uncle?
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 15 | 178 ANSWERS New York Rangers Prospect Gains Massive Confidence Boosted By Famous Family Relative Do you think defenseman Artyom Gonchar, a New York Rangers prospect, will be as good as his uncle, defenseman Sergei Gonchar, a former Pittsburgh Penguin? | ||
| Yes | 84 | 47.2 % |
| No | 94 | 52.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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