Metallurg gears up, Cassels join Avangard, Galchenyuk moves East. Top transfers
The KHL teams keep on strengthening their rosters as new imports get to their new workplaces. KHL.ru presents the most interesting moves from last week.
Scott Wilson
From Vityaz to Metallurg
The former Stanley Cup champion spent his last two years with Vityaz, cracking the 20-goal milestone both times as last year he accumulated 30 points in just 38 regular-season games with the Moscow Region team. Wilson, who just turned 32 last month, has inked a one-year deal with Magnitogorsk and will try to add another piece to his hardware collection as Metallurg will ice, as per tradition, a competitive roster following its Gagarin Cup triumph.
Robin Press and Luke Johnson
New contracts with Metallurg
Both players – especially Press – were an important part of Metallurg’s path in the Gagarin Cup playoffs last year. The Swedish defenseman had a spot in the Golden Helmet All-Star Team and was one of the best in the league on the blue line. Press inked a two-year deal with Magnitka. Johnson’s role has been perhaps less prominent, but he provided a strong two-way play in the middle, won a good share of faceoffs, and scored an important OT goal in the semifinals’ series against Avtomobilist. The American forward signed a one-year deal in Magnitogorsk. Metallurg also announced Alexander Sudnitsin and league legend Vasily Koshechkin as their new goaltending coaches.
Cole Cassels
From San Jose Barracuda (AHL) to Avangard
Cole Cassels, an American forward, joined Avangard last week. Known for his playmaking abilities and defensive prowess, Cassels will bring a strong two-way game to Avangard, contributing both offensively and defensively. His experience in North American leagues, including the AHL, where he honed his skills, will be invaluable. Cassels is expected to enhance team depth, facilitate scoring opportunities for his teammates, and bolster the penalty kill unit. In his most recent European venture, Cassels played for Sodertalje SK in Sweden, registering 2 assists in 13 games before returning to the AHL. Last year, the forward accumulated 45 (11+34) points in 67 games with the Barracuda. His addition is a strategic move for Avangard as they aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.
Alex Galchenyuk
From SKA to Amur
Alex Galchenyuk, after a mutual contract termination with SKA, has signed with Amur for the 2024-25 KHL season. Bringing vast NHL experience and notable scoring ability, Galchenyuk is expected to lead Amur’s offense. His versatility as a center or winger allows for flexible line combinations. Last season with SKA, he tallied 42 (16+26) points in 61 games, adding 5 (2+3) points in 9 playoff appearances. His offensive production and experience will be key assets for Amur Khabarovsk’s ambitions in the upcoming season. The Far East franchise will want to do better after this year’s first-round exit.
Brady Lyle
From Calgary Wrangles (AHL) to Dinamo Minsk
Brady Lyle, moving from the Calgary Wrangles to Dinamo Minsk, marks his second European league tenure. Known for his defensive prowess, power play capabilities, and strong shot from the point, Lyle is set to bolster Dinamo’s blue line. In the 2023-2024 AHL season, he contributed 15 (6+9) points in 47 games. His move to the KHL offers a fresh start and the opportunity to leverage his North American experience to thrive in the league’s competitive landscape. Lyle’s addition is a strategic move for Dinamo Minsk, aiming to enhance their defensive strength and special teams’ performance, perhaps to move further than the first round in 2025.
Yanni Kaldis
From Dinamo Minsk to Severstal
Yanni Kaldis’ transfer from Dinamo Minsk to Severstal Cherepovets promises to bolster Severstal’s defense. In the 2023-2024 season, Kaldis showcased his skills with nice stats (seven goals and 23 points through 56 regular-season games), contributing significantly to Minsk’s campaign. His ability to read the game and make crucial plays will complement Severstal’s recent re-signing of import defenseman Mark Barberio. Together, they form a formidable international duo on the blue line, enhancing the team’s competitiveness in the KHL. Kaldis is expected to bring experience, stability, and a fresh dynamic to Severstal’s defensive strategies in the upcoming season.
