Roman Kantserov (Photo courtesy of Magnitogorsk Metallurg on Facebook)
Roman Kantserov has put a date on the calendar without making a promise. The Chicago Blackhawks’ 2023 second-round pick (44th overall) is under contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk through May 31, 2026, and says the decision on moving to North America will come next year, which positions 2026-27 as the earliest practical NHL arrival.
“I’ll make that decision next year,” Kantserov said in an exclusive interview with RG. “Right now, I’m focused on helping Metallurg. We have a great team and great opportunities here. But of course, if the chance comes, I’d really like to test myself over there.”
The proposed timeline comes while Kantserov is producing at a rate that keeps him relevant to Chicago’s rebuild discussions. Now played at centre by head coach Andrei Razin after three KHL seasons on the wing – including Metallurg’s 2024 Gagarin Cup win – the 21-year-old has responded well — notching 13 goals and 21 points through 21 games at the end of October.
He carries a plus-23 rating, has racked up 30 penalty minutes, and sports a 35% shooting percentage during that span, leading the KHL in goals as October drew to a close. Kantserov isn’t the only one finding success, as Mettalurg has hit the ground running this season; securing 32 points out of 21 games and leads the league offensively is with 81 goals scored.
“We’ve earned our results through hard work,” Kantserov said. “We’re scoring a lot, and we have a really good team. People say we’re a small team, but that doesn’t stop us from winning battles near the net or along the boards–and from winning games.”
Thriving Under Competition
Kantserov says the expanded role has come with trust and responsibility.
“It’s nice to feel that kind of trust. This season, I was also named an assistant captain – the third one, but still, it means a lot. I need to live up to that trust. Playing on the first line… well, I’m comfortable both at center and on the wing. I think my skill set allows that. I just need to improve a bit on faceoffs and in the defensive zone.”
His move to center is being viewed as an opportunity for him to improve his overall game and add layers that will help him become a more impactful player down the road.
“I’m very positive about playing center. It’s difficult, but it helps me develop new skills. As a center, you have to be responsible at both ends – helping your wingers, winning pucks, and making plays for teammates.”
One metric he points to is the dot, where he sits at 42.8%: “I don’t really check the stats, because I already know that’s something I need to work on,” he said with a smile.
Consistency is another stated target. Kantserov began this season with three scoreless games before settling in, and he points back to a stark split last year as evidence of what he is trying to correct.
“This season started with three games without a goal. I felt a bit tight, but then I relaxed and things started to click. For example, last season I scored five goals in December and then went 20 games without one. It’s better to produce steadily, even in smaller amounts, than to have occasional bursts. You just need to stay patient, keep working, and not get frustrated.”
Metallurg added more center depth on Oct. 1 by signing Evgeny Kuznetsov, a player Kantserov, like many, watched in his youth. The comparison only goes so far.
“But I can’t say he was my idol. I’m not a natural center, so I paid more attention to guys like Nikita Kucherov and Artemi Panarin.”
Kuznetsov arrival hasn’t impacted Kantserov’s ice time in the slightest. The young forward is averaging 17:20 of ice time per game, and Kuznetsov has not won minutes at the young center’s expense.
Chicago Connections and Future Goals
With the Chicago Blackhawks holding down his rights and Kantserov producing the way he is, it’s only normal that the team is on his mind and that the two parties are in contact.
Of course I follow [Connor] Bedard. They’re a young team in a rebuild, but they’re doing quite well. As for our communication, it’s normal, professional. They know I’m in the last year of my contract, and I can feel they’re showing more interest now. We have calls roughly every 10 games, go over clips, and discuss areas to improve. Still, the systems in our leagues are very different, so we mostly talk about individual skills.”
He declined an invitation to the organization’s development camp this summer, citing training calendar priorities and the nature of the event.
“They invited me, but I turned it down because I was in full preparation mode for the season. And there wasn’t even ice at their camp–I went last year, and it was only gym work. So it didn’t make much sense to go again.”
There is also a local connection that resonates in Magnitogorsk. Kantserov met Evgeni Malkin over the summer and doesn’t conceal the significance of that handshake, even as he avoids direct comparisons.
“Everyone has their own path, of course. But I really hope I can make Magnitogorsk proud the same way Malkin did.”
