Russian Defender Alexander Romanov, who just signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens, shared his expectations for playing for the Canadiens, and thoughts about potentially defending against fellow countryman Alex Ovechkin.

“Now it’s hard to say if I can make my way to the Canadiens by next season. Everyone with whom I discussed it says that the chances are 50 to 50. And it’s hard not to know exactly what to be prepared for. Despite this, I train now almost every day, so that at least tomorrow I will be ready to go on the ice.”

Who is my idol? “If I say Wayne Gretzky, it will be trite. But fair. This is a real legend, no one has yet beaten his records. Although I believe that Alexander Ovechkin will one day surpass some of his achievements.”

Are you ready to prevent Ovechkin from setting a record? “I think I’m ready. I won’t say big words, but that’s why I’m going there: play against the stars!”

“Svechnikov invited Ovechkin to fight? Probably on emotions. I want to play against him, not fight him. But if a fight is inevitable, I will not run away,” said Romanov.

Romanov is of course referring to the last time a young whipper-snapper from mother Russia decided to challenge the Great 8.