Barys returns to the market, SKA inks Swedish goalie. Top transfers
The transfer market continues as teams complete their import players’ lineup. This week, KHL.ru takes a look at acquisitions by Vityaz, Barys, and SKA.
Derek Barach
From Assat (Finnish Liiga) to Vityaz
Vityaz has completed its three-man import squad with Derek Barach, after signing extensions with blueliner Jeremy Roy and forward Scott Wilson. Traditionally, Vityaz has always had a great eye with North American players, in particular when signed from the Finnish Liiga. Barach, 28, has spent his latest two years with Assat, ending up second in team scoring in each of the two seasons. In Pori, a city located in the Finn West Coast, Barach played side to side with former KHL players like Jesse Joensuu and Shawn Lalonde. In his two seasons in Finland, he accumulated 66 points, including 34 goals.
From SC Rapperswil (Switzerland) to Barys
From Metallurg to Barys
From Brynas (Sweden) to Barys
Joseph LaBate
From Chicago Wolves (AHL) to Barys
Barys has returned to the transfer market with some significant acquisitions – returning Eddie Pasquale from Metallurg and getting another couple of veterans with KHL experience. Moreover, they also signed Joseph LaBate in his first overseas season – the forward is thought to add power and size to the Astana lineup, other than versatility since he can play both in the middle and on the wing.
An interesting signing is Pontus Aberg. The Swedish forward had an okay season with Traktor in 2020-2021, producing 23 (10+13) points in 54 games – many think that he could do better, and he will try to turn things around in Kazakhstan. Most recently, the Stockholm native had a point per game in Switzerland, with SC Rapperswil.
Another exciting acquisition for the Barys’ fans will be David Sklenicka. The Czech blueliner spent three seasons with Jokerit in the KHL, and has represented his country at the 2022 Olympic Games in China. Like LaBate, Sklenicka will add size and power to the team’s lineup as the Kazakhs will try to return to the postseason.
Moreover, Barys has also renewed ties with several players, including imports Alex Grant, Nelson Nogier, Jeremy Bracco, and Michael Chaput.
Johan Mattsson
From Avtomobilist to SKA
Another Swedish player will change jersey this summer, with goalie Johan Mattsson transferring from Avtomobilist to SKA. The St. Petersburg side will change its face for next year, having signed a good bunch of new players, and they will now have a solid option more between the piping after Vladislav Podyapolsky failed to give a good impression after his trade last year. Mattsson, who has lined up for Dinamo Riga and Avtomobilist in his first two years in the league, has inked a one-year deal with SKA and will probably be considered the starting netminder by the team’s staff as the season will start in September. In Yekaterinburg, Mattsson posted impressive numbers, but Avtomobilist failed to go deep in the playoffs.
