Kantserov settling into new surroundings, bonding with Blackhawks teammates

CHICAGO -- Roman Kantserov is already loving his adopted city.

The Chicago Blackhawks forward got here earlier this month and is settled in a downtown hotel, where he’s enjoyed checking out all the great places around him.

“I live close to Michigan Avenue, close to the lake, so many shops, food,” the 21-year-old said. “I met with (former Blackhawks forward Artem Anisimov). He said, ‘In Chicago, 15 restaurants have Michelin stars.’ So, that’s a lot and I want to try them if I have free time. But of course, I’m focused on hockey right now.”

Yes, Kantserov’s focus is on hockey now and things are going smoothly there, too.

The Blackhawks are expecting Kantserov, their second-round pick (No. 44) in the 2023 NHL Draft, to be a top-line forward. He had 64 points (36 goals, 28 assists) in 63 games for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the Kontinental Hockey League last season. He also had eight points (four goals, four assists) in 15 Gagarin Cup playoff games, where Magnitogorsk advanced to the semifinals.

Kantserov will likely play with Connor Bedard once the center returns from the left shoulder surgery he had after sustaining an injury on July 2. Bedard is expected to return in November. Currently, Kantserov has spent the first two days of training camp at left wing on the top line with center Frank Nazar and right wing Patrick Kane, who Kantserov calls “the legend.”

Kane is in his second go-round with the Blackhawks after being one of the faces of the franchise from 2007-23 and helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He likes what he sees from Kantserov.

“I think he’s got a lot of skill. He’s very smooth. He speaks pretty good English, and he wants to communicate, too, right? He wants to know certain things about the game or the drills we’re doing, what I’m seeing on the ice and same thing for me with him and Frank. I want to know what they’re seeing as well,” Kane said.

“I thought as a line today, we got more and more chemistry as the day went on and things got better and better. Excited to keep building within.”

Kantserov exudes confidence, which Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson attributes to him playing in the KHL the past three seasons.

“I think you see that in our players that come from men’s leagues. There’s a little bit of an easier transition and assimilation into just how the coaches are looking to play and what they value and then also just navigating through a room of adults. There is confidence and ease that comes with that, a little bit of a been-there, done-that vibe from a player like Roman.

“But he also knows that he belongs here. He belongs and he can be a contributor from Day 1. There’s certainly solace and confidence in that.”

For Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill, Kantserov checks all the boxes, including his play without the puck.

“He plays a 100-percent complete game today,” the coach said. “That’s a huge advantage for him because when guys come in and they’re super high-skilled, but they don’t play a 200-foot game, the coach’s job is to train him to play a 200-foot game and in that process, they usually struggle. He doesn’t need to be trained to play a 200-foot game.

“I would say the one question you have when you watch on tape is pace, not necessarily just skating but just pace and his pace seems really good. He has a lot of really good qualities that can help you win hockey games. I think he’s got offensive ability but without cheating for offense, and those are the kind of guys you need to win.”

The other question is how quickly Kantserov can adapt to North American-sized ice. He spent some time this summer in Stamford, Connecticut, where he worked out at Prentiss, a private training facility, with other NHL players including some New York Rangers and Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight.

“He made a lot of gains in the gym, just in terms of strength, mobility. Great person, too. Very charismatic, works hard and a guy that you want to be around,” said Knight.

Knight said that he also may have introduced the player to a piece of Americana.

“We got a donut once; I don't know if he's tried that,” Knight said. “At the ice cream store, he's like, 'Can I get it?' I'm like, 'Sure.’ He's fun.”

Yes, expectations are high for Kantserov, who will likely make his NHL debut when the Blackhawks open the regular season against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Sept. 29. But he’s ready to meet those expectations.

“I think everyone who’s a new guy is a little bit nervous because it’s a new League. It’s the best League in the world, but I’m good,” he said.

“I feel that everybody’s supporting me. It’s all fun and comfortable here for me because we’ve talked with boys, we go to dinners, go to movies. It’s fun. I’m here and it’s fine.”