Artyom Gonchar
2024-25 Team: Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL)
Date of Birth: Oct. 25, 2006
Place of Birth: Chelyabinsk, Russia
Ht: 6-foot-0 Wt: 156 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Defenseman
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible
Rankings
A dynamic defenseman with swift hands and good puck skills, Artyom Gonchar’s game is interesting in all areas, but seriously lacks size, even if he plays bigger than what he is. Gifted with excellent agility and mobility, he’s a promising two-way defenseman who can join the rush, start plays, and work hard back in his own zone. His physical play is hardly noticeable, or even present, but he can take a hit and battle for the puck, although he is, of course, more of an offensive weapon.
Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide
Gonchar can start plays with his excellent eye for the pass or move through the neutral zone himself with the puck on the blade. He is a player that coaches will want to give the puck in transition or with the man advantage to create opportunities with his passing skills and offensive anticipation. He doesn’t have the most powerful shot out there, but he’s pretty quick with his stick and can get the puck in the back of the net.
Gonchar had a strong season in the Russian junior league, with 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists) in 50 regular-season games for the Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk in the MHL. He’s the nephew of Stanley Cup champion Sergei Gonchar. He also has a bigger brother, Mikhail, who played five seasons in North America, including in the North American Hockey League with the Maryland Black Bears, but is currently a free agent after spending a season in Georgia (that is, Georgia in Europe).
Other THW Draft Profiles
Artyom Gonchar – NHL Draft Projection
If Gonchar were heavier, even by a mere 20 pounds, he would probably be a top-64 pick. His lack of size made him go unnoticed for most of the season, but his stock rose in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, putting him in 11th place for EU skaters. His skills alone, combined with excellent skating technique and mobility, should guarantee him a call next June, but at what spot? A fourth-round selection seems a more realistic option for Gonchar.
Quotables
“Gonchar is a quick and agile two way defenseman. He rushed the puck up ice with confidence and joined the play deep into the offensive zone on multiple occasions. He…
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