Canadiens agree to terms with defenseman Alexander Romanov

MONTREAL - Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced on Friday that the team has agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with defenseman Alexander Romanov.

Due to the current pause of the NHL season, the start date of the contract has yet to be determined.

"We are very happy to confirm that we have come to an agreement with Alexander Romanov. Alexander is a young, solid, and very reliable defenseman who is determined to pursue his career in the NHL. He is part of our group of young prospects, and we strongly believe he will become an important asset of our defensive squad for years to come," said Canadiens general manager, Marc Bergevin.

Romanov, 20, amassed seven assists and a +21 differential in 43 games with CSKA Moscow in the KHL. The Moscow native played 86 career games with CSKA since making his KHL debut in 2018-19. Romanov registered 11 points (1 goal, 10 assists) and 26 penalty minutes, while displaying a +37 differential. He also appeared in eight career playoff contests, helping his team win the Gagarin Cup in 2018-19.

On the international stage, the 5'11'' and 185 lbs defenseman suited up for Russia at the 2018 U18 World Championship. Romanov also played at the World Junior Championship in 2019 (bronze medal) and 2020 (silver medal), and was named to the WJC All-Star Team on both occasions. In his first appearance at the WJC, Romanov was named the best defenseman of the tournament after leading all players in assists (7) and differential (+12), and leading all blueliners with 8 points (tied for third among players).

Romanov was selected by the Canadiens in the second round, 38th overall at the 2018 NHL Draft.