PUCKREPORTER | NHL TEAM | MONTREAL CANADIENS

Montreal Canadiens prospect Dmitri Kostenko gets shockingly blasted by his GM

PUBLICATION

Samer Dagher
July 8, 2024 (4:04 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Montreal Canadiens prospect Dmitri Kostenko

Photo credit: Prime Time Sports

It's rare to hear a general manager speak so harshly about a player, especially one with potential for the NHL. However, Sergei Gusev, the GM of Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk in Russia's VHL, didn't hold back when talking about Montreal Canadiens prospect Dmitri Kostenko.

According to a recent report from French-language website TVA Sport, Gusev shared some scathing comments about Kostenko, who played just one season under him. Kostenko, a former Canadiens 3rd round pick in 2021 (87th overall), left a strong impression�but not a good one.

"He will never make it [to the NHL]," said Gusev as per TVA Sports.

If that wasn't bad enough, Gusev continued with more criticisms.

Must read on PuckReporter

Critical reports leak regarding Evander Kane's future with the Edmonton Oilers

Boston Bruins officially permit Jeremy Swayman to receive offers from teams

"He doesn't want to learn, he just wants to do his own thing," said Gusev with disgust. "You tell him to pass the puck across the ice and he will give the puck to the opponent anyways."

Gusev also criticized Kostenko's attitude, especially when things don't go his way.

"On top of it, if you don't put him on the power play he pouts," added Gusev. "He won't saying anything but you can see it in his body language, he drives me crazy, seriously."

Gusev further revealed that Nick Bobrov, Montreal Canadiens' co-director of amateur scouting, shared similar concerns about Kostenko's development.

"I told him the same things," said Gusev of his conversations with Bobrov. "Bobrov told me that from his end that he had been following this kid for two years and that nothing had changed. I wasn't surprised to hear that."

Given these harsh assessments, Gusev doesn't believe the Canadiens will sign Kostenko to any deal in the future.

Credit: hockeyfeedCanadiens draft pick Dmitri Kostenko destroyed by his own GM.

Previously on PuckReporter

Patrick Kane reveals the real reason why he re-signed with the Detroit Red Wings

Valeri Nichushkin finally breaks silence regarding his situation

Fans praise the Dallas Stars for screwing Gary Bettman costing him millions

POLL
8 JUILLET \| 155 ANSWERS Montreal Canadiens prospect Dmitri Kostenko gets shockingly blasted by his GM Do you think Montreal Canadiens prospect Dmitri Kostenko will ever crack an NHL roster?
Yes	65	41.9 %
No	90	58.1 %
List of polls