Blackhawks Sign Promising Russian Goalie Stanislav Berezhnoy to Two-Year Deal
Posted July 16, 2025 | By L_B_R
The Chicago Blackhawks have bolstered their goaltending pipeline by signing 22-year-old Russian netminder Stanislav Berezhnoy to a two-year entry-level contract. The deal, which runs through the 2026–27 season, carries an annual cap hit of $975,000.
Dylan Griffing of Elite Prospects was first to report Chicago’s pursuit of Berezhnoy earlier Tuesday.
Though undrafted, Berezhnoy has built a strong résumé across Russia’s developmental leagues. In the VHL over the last three seasons, he’s posted a .918 save percentage over 54 games. His numbers were even more impressive in the MHL with Omskie Yastreby, recording a .920 save percentage and 10 shutouts across 92 regular-season games, along with a .926 mark in 24 playoff appearances.
This past year was a breakout season for the 6-foot-4, 218-pound goalie. Splitting time between Omskie Krylia (MHL) and SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (VHL), Berezhnoy recorded a stellar .928 save percentage over 27 regular-season contests — the best of his career so far.
Despite limited exposure at the KHL level, Berezhnoy’s consistent play and well-rounded game in the more defensively stringent VHL likely caught Chicago’s attention. His athleticism and composure in the net make him an intriguing prospect.
The Blackhawks recently drafted another Russian goalie, 20-year-old Ilya Kanarsky, in the 2025 NHL Draft, signaling an increased emphasis on international scouting — especially in Russia.
With Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom projected to man the crease at the NHL level, Berezhnoy is expected to begin the season with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, likely sharing duties with Drew Commesso. The status of veteran goalie Laurent Brossoit remains uncertain following his absence last season due to multiple knee surgeries.
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