From Barber to Anas. Top 10 new international players

The reduction of the import players limit and the absence of options from traditional markets in Sweden and Finland have compelled many league’s GMs to undertake a monumental task of assembling teams and recruiting high-quality international players. The results of this work will surface much later, but for now, KHL.ru presents the most intriguing newcomers.

Jean-Sebastien Dea (Metallurg)

In the last two seasons, the position of the first-line center, top scorer, and offensive leader of Magnitka was occupied by Phillippe Maillet. During the offseason, he returned to Canada, and the Southern Urals franchise had to search for a replacement. The choice fell on Jean-Sebastien Dea. Maillet and Dea are similar not only for their size, but also in playing style. Both are of shorter stature and play a high-speed game. Dea is a versatile forward; he scored more than twenty goals for two consecutive seasons and excels as an assistant as well. Moreover, he is right-handed and can fill the position in the first power-play unit effectively. With this combination of qualities, he’s an ideal center.

However, we will truly get to know him as the season progresses. Andrei Razin mentioned that Dea might only have his first practice on Aug 30. Therefore, it will take a certain time to integrate him into the team’s strategies, find suitable linemates, and establish understanding with them. Based on his potential, Dea could become a leader for Metallurg, much like Maillet.

Ryan Merkley (Kunlun Red Star)

The Dragons’ offensive potential is bolstered by the intriguing defenseman Ryan Merkley. It’s hard to overlook a player whose potential has been duly recognized in North America. Merkley excelled at the junior level. He handles the puck well, possesses high speed, and despite not having an imposing frame, he’s strong on his skates and confidently engages in puck battles. There was a fair bit of criticism for not fulfilling his defensive duties to the best of his abilities, but he strives to offset this with his productivity. Kunlun has enough defensive-minded blueliners, and not many would pass up on a skilled, right-handed offensive defenseman.

Riley Barber (Barys)

The list of international players who began their journey in the KHL with Barys and left a significant mark in its history is quite extensive. The Astana franchise has secured an agreement with the intriguing American forward Riley Barber. At the junior and youth levels, Barber achieved significant success; he played prominent roles in all the AHL teams he played for. However, his NHL journey didn’t materialize. During preseason tournaments, Riley leaves the strongest impression among all the League’s new import players. It’s even evident that he didn’t always play at 100% of his capabilities. Barber stands out for his powerful shot and goal-oriented mindset. It’s noticeable how his teammates attempt to find Barber in the offensive zone for the final shot. Importantly, Riley distinguishes himself through individual skill rather than being part of a partnership, as was the case with someone like Anthony Louis, who later dropped out of the roster.

Dylan Ferguson (Dinamo Minsk)

The loan of Konstantin Shostak to Minsk has already ended, and he has consequently returned to Severstal. Therefore, the Belarusians have signed the 24-years-old Dylan Ferguson to form their goaltending duo with Alexei Kolosov. It’s unlikely that Dylan will push Kolosov out of the starting lineup, but he will be ready to step in, being a reliable option in case of injury, and provide relief. The goalie needs a little more time to adapt to the new league, and his first matches left mixed impressions about Ferguson. Moreover, his recent season statistics are far from the best. However, his quick reactions, rebound control, good physical attributes, solid skating and movement should be noted among his strengths. He is a very agile and sharp goaltender with significant potential.

Sam Anas (Dinamo Minsk)

Dinamo Minsk will be completely different this year, if compared with Craig Woodcroft’s team of last term. And Sam Anas still has to align with the hockey model that Dmitry Kvartalnov instills in his teams. He’s a skilled playmaker, having become the top scorer in the AHL in the 2019-2020 season. He possesses excellent technique and soft hands, along with swift skating. He rarely loses the puck at high speeds. He’s always ready to finish the attack himself, but when the opportunity arises, he’ll strive to play for his teammates. And, of course, Anas is highly proficient with the man advantage. On open ice, he maximizes every situation. He doesn’t feel very comfortable in physical play, but there are other players on the Minsk side for that purpose. During the previous season, Anas suffered an injury that kept him out of hockey for three months, but he returned to a leading role in the playoffs and helped his team secure the Calder Cup.

Yanni Kaldis (Dinamo Minsk)

Dinamo Minsk will enter the new campaign with a revamped defensive lineup, which, in terms of surnames, may not appear as impressive as in the previous championship. Yanni Kaldis is a product of American collegiate hockey. After his NCAA career, he went to Austria, but once the pandemic-plagued season restarted in North America, he moved to the Edmonton Oilers’ farm team and for two consecutive years became the most productive blue liner there. Good skating and solid skills compensate for his modest size. In his previous team, Kaldis was given a significant amount of ice time, so he is prepared for heavy workloads. Most likely, with the departure of Joseph Duszak, he will be entrusted with the role of the top defenseman.

Andy Andreoff (Sibir)

In the preseason games, Andy Andreoff is making a very positive impression. The forward might not be the most finesse or technically refined player, but when used correctly, he brings a lot of value. Over the last two seasons, he has accumulated over a hundred points in the AHL, but he hasn’t managed to establish himself in the NHL. Powerful and substantial, he’s always ready to stand up for himself and his teammates, a natural leader. Andreoff has extensive experience playing in both power play and penalty kill units; he can play in the middle and on both wings. This versatility makes it easier for the coaching staff to find optimal line combinations.

Zach Fucale (Traktor)

Traktor used six goalkeepers in the past season and couldn’t ultimately determine their primary choice. In the summer, they signed Zachary Fucale. A high draft pick, he can boast a WJC gold medal won as Team Canada’s starting goalie. Fucale is a tall netminder, hence he relies more on positional play and a less energy-intensive style. He’s remarkably calm and composed. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for him to reset, as in recent years, despite all the positives, he hasn’t managed to secure the position of number one goalie for his team. In the previous season, Zach helped the Hershey Bears securing the Calder Cup, but he only stepped onto the ice in two playoff matches.

Giovanni Fiore (Admiral)

It’s unlikely that fans should expect a change in Admiral’s tactics. Based on what was observed in the preseason, Giovanni Fiore is the perfect forward for Leonids Tambijevs: a power forward who confidently goes for the wraparound and never eases up in battles along the boards — whether it’s snatching the puck or attempting to retain it. His partnership with Tyler Graovac might not be as creative as Michal Kristof and Rudolf Cerveny’s last year, but opponents will find it challenging to play against them — primarily because both are capable of and enjoy playing an aggressive style of hockey. Equally important is that after three seasons in Germany, Fiore doesn’t require adaptation to European rinks.

Martin Gernat (Lokomotiv)

Lokomotiv’s defensive lineup has always been the envy of many, and the acquisition of Slovak defenseman Martin Gernat has further strengthened it. Gernat possesses a precise first pass and is always ready to provide support, like, for instance, at the Olympics in Beijing, where Slovakia won bronze medals and Gernat played alongside the more attacking Samuel Knazko. At the club level, in each of the last five seasons, Martin has secured no less than twenty points.