Yevgeni Volokhin, the Montreal Canadiens’ fifth-round pick in 2023, has signed a three-year extension with Spartak Moscow, delaying his NHL debut until at least 2028 and raising questions about the franchise’s long-term goaltending strategy.
While the Canadiens maintain regular contact with the 20-year-old Russian, Volokhin’s decision to remain in the KHL suggests a cautious approach to his development—or a lack of urgency to join Montreal’s crowded goalie room.
“We call or text every two or three weeks,” Volokhin said, referencing his communication with Canadiens scouting director Nikolai Bobrov. “Sometimes, they offer me advice about my game or mental preparation.”
Despite expressing admiration for current starter Samuel Montembeault and acknowledging Jakub Dobes, Volokhin admitted he hasn’t followed the team closely. “Everything’s uncertain,” he told RG.org. . “Maybe I’ll be there in two years if I’m physically and mentally ready.”
The extension, which runs through May 2028, comes after a challenging season in the KHL where Volokhin posted a 4-17-1 record and a .901 save percentage—respectable numbers given Spartak’s poor performance. Still, the move has fans wondering whether Montreal’s goalie depth is more fragile than it appears.
With pressure mounting in Montreal and the franchise still searching for a long-term solution in net, Volokhin’s decision to stay overseas could be seen as a setback—or a strategic pause. Either way, the Canadiens’ goalie pipeline just got murkier.