[4] On 5 January 2024, Ponomaryov made his NHL debut for the Hurricanes, recording one goal and one assist in their 6–2 win over the Washington Capitals.

[5][6] On 7 March 2024, Ponomaryov was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with Michael Bunting, Ville Koivunen, prospect Cruz Lucius, and two conditional 2024 draft picks, in exchange for Jake Guentzel and Ty Smith.

[7] Ponomaryov represented Russia at the 2017 World U-17 Hockey Challenge where he led the team in scoring with four goals and four assists in six games and won a gold medal.

In 2019 he represented Russia at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup where he recorded two goals and three assists in five games and won a gold medal and the 2019 World Junior A Challenge where he recorded one goal and three assists in six games and won a gold medal.

[8] He represented Russia at the 2021 World Junior Championships where he led the team in scoring with three goals in seven games.