The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have signed goaltender to a two-year, entry-level contract that will run through the 2026–27 season. The deal carries a salary cap hit of $975,000.
Top star, 22, spent the 2024–25 season in Russia’s Supreme Hockey League (VHL), splitting time between Omskie Krylia and SKA-Neva St. Petersburg. In 27 regular-season games, he posted a 12-10-2 record with a .928 save percentage, a 2.50 goals-against average, and one shutout. He also appeared in eight playoff games, going 4-3-0 with a .921 save percentage and a 2.66 GAA. Additionally, he made one appearance in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg during the season.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 218 pounds, Berezhnoy has played in 54 VHL regular-season games from 2022 to 2025, compiling a 17-18-5 record, .918 save percentage, 2.77 GAA, and three shutouts. In the Junior Hockey League (MHL), he posted a 48-24-4 record with a .920 save percentage, 2.46 GAA, and 10 shutouts over 92 career regular-season games, all with Omskie Yastreby. He also played in three MHL postseasons, going 15-8-1 with a .926 save percentage, a 2.42 GAA, and two shutouts.
A native of Novokuznetsk, Russia, Berezhnoy joins the Blackhawks as an undrafted free agent.