The Chicago Blackhawks bolstered their goaltending depth on Tuesday by signing 22-year-old Russian goalie Stanislav Berezhnoy to a two-year entry-level deal worth $975,000 per season through 2026–27.
Elite Prospects’ Dylan Griffing first reported the team’s interest early Tuesday. Despite going undrafted, Berezhnoy has built a strong resume in Russia’s development leagues.
Over the past three seasons in the VHL, he posted a .918 save percentage across 54 games.
His numbers were even stronger in the MHL with Omskie Yastreby, where he tallied a .920 save percentage in 92 regular-season games (including 10 shutouts) and a .926 mark in 24 playoff contests.
His most recent season was his best yet, recording a .928 save percentage over 27 regular-season games split between Omskie Krylia (MHL) and SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (VHL).
At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, Berezhnoy fits the physical mold of a modern NHL goalie and is praised for his athleticism and poise in net.
While he hasn’t played in the KHL, the Blackhawks likely took note of his consistency and strong fundamentals, particularly in the defensively rigorous VHL.
His signing follows Chicago’s 2025 draft selection of another Russian netminder, Ilya Kanarsky, signaling active European scouting efforts.
Stanislav Berezhnoy
With Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom expected to be the NHL tandem, Berezhnoy will likely start the season with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs alongside Drew Commesso.
The status of veteran goaltender Laurent Brossoit remains uncertain after he missed last season due to two knee surgeries.
