‘A bit like Messi and Ronaldo’ — the KHL week in review
Which pair of KHL prospects are battling out a personal rivalry that could grow into one of the big sporting tussles of their era? Take a look at Lokomotiv to find out more ...
Jaskin beats Mozyakin’s record
When Dmitrij Jaskin potted his 100th KHL goal on Saturday, he erased one of the records set by the great Sergei Mozyakin. Jaskin’s 100th goal came in his 176th game, compared with 202 for Mozyakin. Moreover, Jaskin is the leading goalscorer in the KHL since his debut on Sep. 1, 2019. To put that into context, the Czech international was not active in the league last season following his move to Arizona.
100 goals for Jaskin. December 24 round-up
On-loan Michkov opens account for Sochi
Matvei Michkov, one of the brightest prospects in Russian hockey, moved to HC Sochi on loan. The 18-year-old made an immediate impact after joining from SKA, scoring his first goal for his new team in only his second game. Michkov scored on Ak Bars in an exciting clash on Christmas Day, and followed up his power play tally in the second period with a successful attempt in a penalty shoot-out. However, that was not enough to snap the Leopards’ losing streak: Alexander Radulov converted two attempts in the shoot-out, adding to a goal and an assist in regulation, as Ak Bars claimed a narrow verdict.
Michkov’s strike not enough for Sochi. December 25 round-up
Nikulin looks to soccer rivalry
Michkov’s status as a star of the future was established a couple of seasons back when, as a 16-year-old, he made a bright start to life in the KHL and international hockey. This season’s rookie-of-the-year race could be turning into a duel between two players with Yaroslavl connections. Lokomotiv’s Stepan Nikulin is in strong form, with 24 (7+17) points this term. Meanwhile, his sometime club-mate Yaroslav Likhachyov, currently on loan at Amur, is making an impact in the Far East. The rivalry isn’t lost on Nikulin, who likened the race to a world-famous football showdown – albeit somewhat tongue in cheek.
Nikulin, Likhachyov and others. The race for the Rookie of the Year award
“It hurt a bit when we lost on the road at Amur,” Nikulin admitted. “But it’s not such a big deal. I think Likhachyov still has to come to us in Yaroslavl. Within our rivalry, if you can call it that, it’s a chance to show in one game who of us is better. A bit like Messi and Ronaldo!”
Returning Russians for Traktor, Ak Bars
In the final days before the trade deadline, two Russian players agreed returns home. Nikita Soshnikov left the Islanders to come to Traktor, while Daniil Zhuravlyov is back in Kazan after leaving Colorado. Soshnikov had a goal and an assist on his debut for Traktor. The 29-year-old previously played for Atlant, Salavat Yulaev, CSKA and Avangard. Defenseman Zhuravlyov did not feature in the NHL after crossing the Atlantic this season, instead playing in the AHL and, for a time, partnering another recent Traktor signing, Robert Hamilton. That situation undoubtedly influenced his decision to return to Ak Bars, where the 22-year-old broke into senior hockey and played 132 KHL games before trying for an opportunity in North America this season.
Jaros moves to CSKA
Slovak defenseman Christian Jaros is on the move. The 26-year-old was one of the first imports to a sign a first-time KHL this summer, having spent the previous five seasons trying to establish himself as an NHL regular in Ottawa, then San Jose and New Jersey. Now, after 24 games for Avangard, he’s on the move again and joins CSKA. Dmitry Alexeyev, a 24-year-old Russian defenseman who made three appearances for the Muscovites this season, goes the other way.
Campbell joins Dragons
Experienced Canadian defenseman Colin Campbell is on his way to Kunlun Red Star after inking a deal until the end of the season. The 31-year-old never made it to the NHL, but played in seven AHL seasons and won the Calder Cup with Grand Rapids Griffins in 2017. Subsequently, he played three seasons in Europe and joins the Dragons from Kosice, where he had 25 (11+14) points from 23 Slovak Championship games.
