Bob Hartley made headlines last summer when he returned from retirement to coach Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, the reigning Gagarin Cup champions in the KHL. At 65 years old, Hartley seemed to have closed the door on a coaching career, but the allure of the role and financial incentives drew him back to the bench.
Hartley’s Coaching Success This Season
So far this season, Hartley’s Lokomotiv team has performed impressively, boasting a record of 20 wins, 10 losses, and 3 overtime losses. This strong performance places them third in the Western Conference of the KHL.
Insights from a Recent Interview
In an interview with Mark Dickey, a radio and podcast host from Saguenay, Hartley expressed confidence in young player Alexander Zharovsky. According to Hartley, Zharovsky has the potential to compete in the NHL.
- Hartley has faced Zharovsky in competition twice.
- He noted that Zharovsky exhibits leadership qualities despite being only 18 years old.
- Zharovsky has accumulated 20 points in just 23 games.
Bob Hartley drew a comparison between Zharovsky and Ivan Demidov, indicating that Zharovsky possesses similar skills. Hartley stated, “Zharovsky’s game vision and foot movement are comparable to those of Demidov.” He added that Zharovsky’s shot may not be as powerful as Demidov’s, but it remains impressive.
Future Outlook for Zharovsky
Zharovsky was a second-round pick for the Canadiens in the 2023 draft. Currently, he is under contract until May 31, 2027. He was recently named KHL Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive time. With Zharovsky’s performance being closely monitored by NHL teams, there may be regrets among those who overlooked him in the draft.
However, given the budget constraints of Zharovsky’s current team, it seems unlikely they will let go of this promising young talent anytime soon. Canadiens fans may have to wait until the end of his contract to see him play in North America, potentially joining Ivan Demidov.
Looking Ahead to International Competition
The anticipation continues as Hockey Canada prepares to announce its roster for the World Juniors on December 8. NHL player participation will play a critical role in the lineup decisions.
