New York Rangers' Third-Round Pick Leaves Russia And Signs Exciting Deal In Ontario
Photo credit: Sudbury Star
The New York Rangers selected Russian Left-handed defenseman Artyom Gonchar 89th overall in the 3rd-round of the 2025 NHL Draft. The young defenseman is making the next big leap in beginning his professional hockey career, as he's committed to the OHL's Sudbury Wolves this season.
Artyom Gonchar will be joining the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL this season, as he's concluded his career with the MHL's Magnitogorsk Stalnye Lisy.
He only played two seasons in the MHL, and would play only 78 games with 30 points (8-22) scored during that time frame.
The former 3rd-round pick has a familiar-sounding last name, right?
Well, the Russian defenseman is the nephew of former Pittsburgh Penguins player Sergei Gonchar, as the love of the sport runs deep worldwide.
The 6-foot, 156-pound defenseman is known for his two-way style of play, along with his excellent skating abilities:
«Gonchar is a quick and agile two-way defenseman,» via Neutral Zone. «He rushed the puck up ice with confidence and joined the play deep into the offensive zone on multiple occasions. He was tasked with minutes on the first powerplay unit and snapped the puck around with intention.»
Though his abilities stick out the most, it's his lack of size that has been concerning for NHL pundits who believe he'll need to bulk up before he finds himself competing for a job in the NHL.
«The confidence that Gonchar possesses when passing the puck is awesome and, making it even better, he has the skill to back it up.» - Dylan Griffing, Elite Prospects
That arguably leads to a lack of defensive impact on the ice, which could negatively affect any team's chances of winning a game nightly.
For now, he'll play in the OHL and hone his game until he's ready to turn pro.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 9 | 371 ANSWERS New York Rangers' Third-Round Pick Leaves Russia And Signs Exciting Deal In Ontario Do you think defenseman Artyom Gonchar, a New York Rangers prospect, will turn pro within the next three years? | ||
| Yes | 274 | 73.9 % |
| No` | 97 | 26.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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