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New York Rangers prospect makes a massive move to reshape his professional career


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Bruce Raymond
July 13, 2025  (9:30)
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New York Rangers prospect Artyom Gonchar makes major professional career decision moments after being drafted by the organization.

The New York Rangers selected 19-year old defenseman Artyom Gonchar 89th overall at the 2025 NHL draft in the third round, and he has now taken a significant step upon himself to further his career.
Gonchar has decided to join the Sudbury Wolves of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) after being selected in the league's important draft.
"Artyom is a player that we have been high on from this past season. He is a very intelligent, smooth-skating defenseman. He has great vision and offensive instincts and is a skilled playmaker. He is a 19-year-old defenseman we targeted to fill minutes lost to key graduating players."

Artyom himself issued his own statement and he is beyond thrilled to further his development with the Sudbury Wolves organization.
«I'm excited to sign with Sudbury and can't wait to start the season with my new team.»

- Artem Gonchar.

Rangers draft pick beefing up

Gonchar is now listed at six-foot-one and 165 pounds, up from his preview six-feet and 157 pounds prior to the NHL draft.
After two straight seasons with Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk in Russia's MHL, a junior league below the VHL and KHL, Gonchar is expected to be introduced to a much rougher and rigged game of hockey.
Oh, and did we mention his father is a former NHL legend?
A true steal by general manager Chris Drury and the NY Rangers scouting department, this could ultimately be a homerun for the organization.
»With a legacy to chase-his uncle Sergei is one of the NHL's most successful Russian defensemen-Gonchar could eventually complement Rangers star Adam Fox, their primary offensive defenseman.

Analysts suggests he is three or four years away from being NHL-ready, but in the meantime we will update you on all things New York Rangers to stay up-to-date!
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New York Rangers prospect makes a massive move to reshape his professional career

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