Artur Cholach can build off past successes with the Knight Monsters

Artur Cholach played five games for the Henderson Silver Knights last season. He put up no points with the Silver Knights, getting his feet wet in minor league hockey. The Ukrainian defenseman scored seven goals and 16 assists in 54 games with the ECHL club. It appears that he's picking up where he left off with Tahoe by being named to their season-opening roster.

Playing for Tahoe isn't necessarily bad for a 22-year-old prospect. He still has time to right some wrongs in his game and become a promising figure. For example, he's never been one to score many goals. The sixth-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft only scored four goals in his OHL career.

Instead, he's done his due diligence with distributing the puck. Cholach acts as an exciting facilitator on the attack. That's why the Silver Knights re-signed him to a one-year extension in July. The Lviv native can expand his game to become an excellent two-way player.

Of course, that one-year extension makes this season a prove-it year for the young defenseman. Can he step up and become a factor for the Knight Monsters? Or will his progress be halted in his journey to becoming an NHL player?

WhatArtur Cholach must work on to boost his prospect stock with the Henderson Silver Knights

The good thing about Cholach is that he has a tenacious style. He'll fight for any puck and is an aggressive forechecker. The former sixth-round pick would be perfect as a third-pair defenseman if he can improve his trajectory.

But don't expect him to get many goals with his team, as previously mentioned. The young defenseman can stand to be more aggressive with his shots offensively. If he can take more calculated risks and crank up his shot, he can get there.

If you want more good news, the Knight Monsters built an identity off careful passing and attacking. Last season, Tahoe only had one forward score fewer than 10 goals with the team. That offensive prowess should carry over to this season, where the group looks to build off their surprisingly good season.

Therefore, he can boost his value by gaining experience in running the transition game. With helpful teammates like Sloan Stanick, Cholach can learn how to find his shot and put himself in a better position offensively. He might not score 20 goals in a season. However, the experience should bump him past the double-digit mark.

2025-26 is pivotal for Cholach in his NHL journey. He can get back on track with a solid season, where he can earn another deal. Who knows? It might take five games before he gets promoted to the AHL club.