Coach Bill returns, Maillet leads the way — the KHL week in review
The last days of 2022 saw a KHL legend back in a familiar role, while Metallurg’s latest import star proved to be the most productive player of the calendar year.
Bilyaletdinov back behind the bench
The KHL trade deadline passed on Dec. 27 – but the biggest news was behind the bench. Ak Bars confirmed that Zinetula Bilyaletdinov would take over as head coach until the end of the season. Bilyaletdinov, a three-time Gagarin Cup winner, stepped down from coaching in 2019. However, he returned to the club this season in a management role and rejoined the coaching staff following Oleg Znarok’s departure.
“I couldn’t remain indifferent to our club and the situation in which we find ourselves,” Bilyaletdinov told Ak Bars’ official website. “I hope that I can help us improve our game and achieve the targets we have set ourselves. It won’t be easy, but it is attainable. We are strong enough, and with hard work we can get to them.”
Bilyaletdinov’s first game back behind the bench ended in a 2-4 loss against Metallurg, undone by Nikolai Goldobin’s hat-trick. But he finished the year on a high, enjoying a 3-1 derby win against Neftekhimik. Yury Babenko, acting head coach since Znarok’s departure, continues as an assistant to Bilyaletdinov.
Varnakov returns, Boucher extends
The final days of the trade window were quiet. The most eye-catching new signing was Mikhail Varnakov’s arrival at Lokomotiv. The veteran forward, long associated with Torpedo, played just eight KHL games last season, contributing two assists in Nizhny Novgorod. However, the 37-year-old is set to lace them up once more with Loko, where he has a contract until the end of the season. Varnakov has 408 (218+190) points in a 748-game KHL career. Elsewhere, Avangard forward Reid Boucher signed a one-year contract extension. The Canadian has 22+14 points from 44 games this season.
Maillet tops the 2022 charts
The end of the calendar year gives a chance to review the top performers of 2022. Metallurg forward Philippe Maillet leads the way in KHL scoring over the past 12 months. The 30-year-old, whose NHL career was limited to two appearances for the Capitals, had 65 points for Magnitka in 2022. His 39 assists in that time also led the league, while Avtomobilist’s Brooks Macek was top of the goalscorers with 28. Macek got 14 of those snipes on the power play, tying for top spot with Reid Boucher and Stanislav Galiyev. Impressive as these numbers are, 2022 was some way short of any new records. Sergei Mozyakin’s 101 points in 2014 remains the mark to beat, and his 49 goals in the same year is well ahead of Macek’s 2022 tally. Alexander Radulov, back in the KHL with Ak Bars, still holds the record for assists (66 in 2010).
Sulak impressive for Admiral
Czech defenseman Libor Sulak – recently spotted in a colorfully festive New Year suit – is setting records with Admiral this season. The 28-year-old currently has 26 (9+17) points, matching his personal best in the KHL. Moreover, Sulak’s nine goals represent the best return for a blue liner at Admiral and he is well on course to beat Jonathan Blum’s 30-point haul from 2015-2016.
Admiral on top in Far East derby. December 29 round-up
Coming up
KHL action returns on Tuesday after the New Year break. And week 18 of the regular season promises some big games. Jan. 3 sees Eastern Conference leader Avtomobilist looking to snap a six-game skid against an Avangard team up to third after winning six in a row. On Jan. 5, there’s a big battle in the race for the Eastern playoffs, as Amur hosts Barys. And Jan. 8 promises an intriguing clash when Sochi’s on-loan forward Matvei Michkov suits up against SKA. The teenage talent will be looking to remind his parent club what he’s all about as the KHL’s basement team tries to improve on a dismal 16-game losing streak.
