According to the Kazahkstan Ice Hockey Federation, Korney Korneyev will sign with the Chicoutimi Saguenéeens for the 2024-25 season.
This will make the Almaty native the first Kazahk player to play in the QMJHL
The 16-year old was the Sags first round selection in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, taking the centerman with the 28th overall pick.
Last season, he played in Russia for Avangard Omsk's Under-17 program scoring 14 points (7+7) in 26 games. He also represented Team Kazahkstan last season at the Under-18 World's in May scoring four points (2+2) in 5 games.
He will replace the import slot left by, German defender and Buffalo Sabres seventh round draft pick, Norwin Panocha, who the team had released prior to the import draft. Panocha would remain in the CHL, having been selected by the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL with the 26th overall selection of the 2024 CHL Import Draft.
He will join veteran QMJHL defenseman Peteris Bulans (42 in 59), of Latvia, as the two imports on a promising Chicoutimi team as they will look to avenge their second round loss defeat last season.
Playing on such a promising team next season, the youngster will have big shoes to fill. Being 6-foot-1 at 16 should help ease the transition, physically. That said, if he can rise to the occasion, Korneyev could be an intriguing prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft,