Following a very good 2016-2017 season in the MHL (Russian Junior Hockey League) where he recorded 22 points in 29 games played with Irbis Kazan, Alexander Khovanov started to gain steam as a top prospect in the hockey world.
A smallish center with great vision and playmaking skills, Khovanov seemed like he was on his way to being a first-round pick long before his draft season, and his upward trajectory continued as he was selected second overall in the 2017 CHL Import Draft by the Moncton Wildcats, behind only fellow countrymen and current Carolina Hurricanes star Andrei Svechnikov.