The Real Reason Canadiens Prospect Bogdan Konyushkov Rejected the NHL for the KHL

Yesterday, it was revealed that the 21-year-old defenseman has chosen to extend his contract in the KHL, thus delaying any chance of seeing him wear a Canadiens uniform in the near future.

And it's not hard to understand why.

According to available information, Konyushkov will earn more than $500,000 USD for the 2026-2027 season, the year covered by his extension.

That's a significantly higher amount than what he would have received had he decided to play in Laval, in the AHL, like many of the Canadiens' young prospects.

On top of that, he won't have to pay taxes in Quebec, making the Russian offer even more appealing financially.

Konyushkov, a 4th-round pick by the Canadiens in 2023, quickly established himself as a reliable and intelligent defenseman in the KHL.

He logs big minutes, faces opponents' top lines, and continues to grow in a competitive environment.

While some were hoping he would make the jump to North America as early as next season, this extension has put those expectations on hold.

The Canadiens still retain his rights, and the organization is not opposed to waiting.

But in a context where many young talents are knocking on the door in both Montreal and Laval, Konyushkov's extended absence complicates the management of the team's defensive prospects.

In the meantime, Bogdan Konyushkov is making a decision that is both strategic and lucrative. And for the Canadiens, it's a harsh reminder that developing European prospects-especially in Russia-sometimes hinges on realities that differ greatly from those in the NHL.