Roman Kantserov Expected to Sign ELC with Blackhawks

Reports surfaced Friday morning that Chigcao Blackhawks prospect Roman Kantserov has officially terminated his contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL.

Kantserov, 21, was a second-round pick (44th overall) by the Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft. After a breakout campaign in Russia where he showcased elite playmaking ability and high-end motor, the young winger is now expected to sign a three-year, entry-level contract (ELC) with Chicago. Given the limited variance with ELCs, it will most likely be a three-year contract, and the salary will fall somewhere between $850,000 and $1,025,000.

Kantserov is coming off of a career year in the KHL where he had 36 goals, 28 assists and 64 points in 63 games. He was tied for ninth in the league in points, and he was the youngest player to crack the top 10, while his 36 goals led the league.

Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis had this to say about Kantserov earlier this season when identifying prospects thriving in Europe:

“Katenserov has been the most impressive prospect abroad this year, with the 21-year-old tracking for over 40 goals and 75 points. He was excellent a year ago with 38 points in 47 games, but he has taken things up a notch this year. There’s a legit chance Kantserov could finish as the KHL’s MVP – and given he’s eligible for an NHL contract this spring, the timing couldn’t be better. The knock against Kantserov has always been his 5-foot-9 frame. While that hasn’t bothered him in Russia, it’s often a different story in the NHL. He was more of a playmaker a year ago, but has worked on putting more muscle behind his wrist shot – and it’s working. Still, he’ll need to bulk up to make it work in the NHL, but there’s some top-six potential here if he can make that happen.”