Chicago forward prospect Roman Kantserov (44th overall in 2023) signed a 3-year, entry-level contract today, which commences in 2026-27. The deal has an annual cap hit of $1,075,000. Also, Kantserov will receive a signing bonus totaling $322,500, $102,500 of which will be paid in year 1, $107,500 in year 2, and the final installment of $112,500 will come in year 3. Finally, this contract is heavily laden with performance bonuses, which total $3.5 million per year. If Kantserov hits all or some of these bonus benchmarks during a season, the additional payouts also count against the salary cap.
Kantserov is coming off a historic season in the KHL, where he led the league in goals with 36. Also, his 36 goals and 64 points were the most ever by a player under 22 years of age. Not only were his goals, assists and points totals career highs, his 63 games played also established a personal best. He registered a total of 117 points (57G 60A) in 164 KHL games over a three-season span.
Kantserov is expected to occupy a spot on the Hawks’ roster out of training camp in 2026-27.