Roman Kantserov: “If Chicago Were Not Ready to Give Me an NHL Chance, I Would Have Stayed in Russia”
Forward Roman Kantserov has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The deal carries an average annual value of $1.075 million.
According to Kantserov, the idea of moving to North America had been on his mind for a long time, but during the season he was fully focused on playing for Metallurg.
“I think the decision was already somewhere in my head,” Kantserov said in an exclusive interview with R.org. “When the season ended, for some reason I already knew that I wanted to test myself in the NHL.”
Chicago selected the Russian forward with the 44th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft. On May 8, 2026, Metallurg and the 21-year-old forward terminated his contract, which had been valid until the end of May.
Last season, Kantserov became the KHL regular-season scoring leader in goals, finishing with 36 goals and 64 points in 63 games. In the playoffs, he added eight points, including four goals and four assists, in 15 games.
The forward admitted that many of his experienced teammates advised him not to miss the opportunity.
“Everyone said: you can always come back home. But if you do not try, you will regret it later.”
Kantserov spoke with Yegor Yakovlev, Vladimir Tkachev and Metallurg’s import players, who told him about the differences between the KHL and North American hockey.
“Everyone said it is a completely different game, a different kind of hockey and a different mentality. I think I am ready. The main thing is to train well in the summer and go there with fresh energy.”
Preparing for the Move
Kantserov plans to travel to North America at the end of June and train at his agent’s camp near New York.
“There is a training facility, a coach and other NHL guys I know will also be there, including Danila Yurov,” Kantserov said. “Danila and I played together for Metallurg. Closer to the end of August, I will fly to Chicago.”
Yurov was one of the players Kantserov asked about the first weeks of life in North America.
“I asked him a lot about the first days after moving. For example, at first he lived in a hotel, and then he was allowed to look for an apartment. That was already a sign that they were keeping him on the main team. I asked him about training and everyday life. It was interesting to learn how different everything is from the KHL.
“According to him, when you are at home, everything is quite similar. When you play home games, the food, routine and schedule are almost the same. There are differences on the road, especially when you have back-to-back games.”
What Chicago Told Him
Kantserov said he personally spoke with the Blackhawks’ general manager and head coach.
“We spoke with the management,” Kantserov said. “Of course, it was interesting to hear their opinion. They said they were happy with my progress and how I was developing. At the same time, I understand very well that the NHL has a completely different level of decision-making and competition. But the feedback was very positive.”
It was especially important for him that the club sees him as a candidate for a roster spot.
“I personally believe that you need to go there for a chance in the NHL. If I understood that they were not ready to give me that chance, I probably would have continued developing in Russia.
“I am grateful to the club for an honest conversation. They analyzed my game in detail and gave specific arguments. We spoke very openly. There will be chances, but I have to use them myself. It does not matter how many opportunities you get — a player has to show himself.”
The 21-year-old Kantserov noted that his contract includes a clause about a possible return to Russia.
“I hope it will not come to that. But there are certain agreements on that matter.”
On His Role and Connor Bedard
Last season, Kantserov successfully played at centre, but he does not yet know which position the Blackhawks see him playing in the NHL.
“The head coach has his own vision. It is also not clear yet how the club will act on the market, who they will draft and what additions they will make. This season at centre went well for me. But playing centre requires a very large amount of defensive work. Maybe it will be a little easier to start on the wing.”
The Russian forward said it would be interesting to play on the same line as Connor Bedard.
“I met Connor once. It is clear that he is the main young player on the team, the player the club’s future is being built around. He is the No. 1 star.
“Of course, it would be great to play together. But you cannot just go out there and only play for him. You also need to take responsibility yourself and create chances. If they put us together, great. But it is too early to talk about that.”
On English and Life in the United States
Kantserov said he can already communicate with the club’s management in English without an interpreter.
“When we spoke with the management, I did it without an interpreter. I understand almost everything. Answering is a little more difficult, but my level is already decent, so I am not worried. That is why I want to come early — there will be a lot of communication and practice. I think a couple of months will be enough to make a serious step forward. By the way, the club also praised my English.”
The forward plans to arrive in the United States early to adapt more quickly to the language and everyday life.
“I think a couple of months will be enough to make a serious step forward.”
Only his father currently has a U.S. visa, and Kantserov hopes to arrange visas for his girlfriend and other family members.
“It will still be difficult alone.”
On His Season With Metallurg
Despite finishing as the KHL regular-season goals leader, Kantserov believes he could have played better in the playoffs.
“If we talk about personal statistics, the season was good. But hockey is a team sport. Without my teammates, especially the guys on my line, I would not have achieved anything.
“At the same time, I think I could have played better in the playoffs. In some moments I lacked energy, and in others I did not play as well as I could have.”
The forward does not agree with the idea that his production was possible only because he played alongside Vladimir Tkachev, one of the KHL’s biggest stars. According to Kantserov, he can be productive in other combinations as well.
“I had good production before too. Yes, Vladimir Tkachev is a great playmaker. But you cannot say that I am only a finisher. I can also make a pass, draw opponents toward me and create a chance for a teammate.
“This season, we really had excellent chemistry. He created a lot of chances, and Dima Silantyev and I finished them. But I am confident that I can be productive with other teammates too.”
On Chicago’s Rebuild
Kantserov is not concerned by the fact that the Blackhawks are still in the middle of a rebuild.
“I really have always played on teams that were competing for something. There was only a period in the MHL when we finished in the first or second round. I have never played on a team that missed the playoffs. I do not like losing.
“Young teams can progress quickly. Look at San Jose — they almost made the playoffs this year. Why can’t Chicago take a step forward next season?”
Life Away From Hockey
In his free time, the forward enjoys tennis, soccer, padel and other sports.
“I am an open person, and I like different sports. I play tennis, table tennis, soccer and padel. I really want to attend games in other sports in America — baseball, basketball, rugby and American football. Chicago is a big sports city, so I am sure there will be plenty to do.”
His ideal day off is quite simple.
“Wake up at around 11, have a calm breakfast, go for a walk with family or my girlfriend, meet friends. In the evening, I might play on the computer or PlayStation. If there is a chance, I would go to a banya or sauna. I know there is no real banya culture in the U.S., but I would be happy to take teammates to a Russian banya.
“On the second day, you start slowly getting back into your routine: stretching, a walk, some light activity.”
After a difficult season, the best rest for him is the sea and the beach.
“After a difficult season, I like to just lie on the beach, swim and rest. But I also like active holidays. For example, after last season, I first went to the Maldives, and then to Turkey, where there were many excursions, walks and activities. There are many countries I want to visit for their culture and landmarks, not only for the sea.”
This summer, however, his vacation may be short.
“I think I will not fly somewhere for a second vacation. I will be exploring America. If there is a big group of guys training there, we could go somewhere together. There is even an idea to go to the World Cup if everything works out.”