Vityaz’s hat-trick and Slovak signings. Top transfers

Vityaz signs three imports, while two Slovaks sign with KHL teams. KHL.ru presents the best international moves for the last week.

Austin Ortega

From Munchen (DEL) to Admiral

The 30-years-old American forward moved to Berlin in 2019 and found a role for himself in the DEL. Most recently he played for Munich, where he spent his last three seasons and won a championship in 2023. Ortega also has other spells in Europe with Vaxjo, TPS and Salzburg under his belt. He’s coming to Admiral on a one-year deal. Last year, he produced 38 (21+17) points for Munchen and will be a dangerous option for the Sailors’ fast counterattacks.

Mario Grman

From Vitkovice (Czechia) to Admiral

The Sailors completed another international signing with defenseman Mario Grman, who will be at his second stint in the KHL after lining up with Slovan back in 2018-2019. Following his stint in the Slovak capital, the Topolcany native spent time in Finland and Czechia, and was a regular for Slovakia in the last four IIHF World Championships. Grman will serve as a great backup option for Libor Sulak’s adventures in the offensive zone. The Vladivostok side has now three international player under contract for the upcoming 2024-2025 campaign.

Frederik Gauthier

From HC Ajoie (Swiss NL) to Vityaz

Frédérik Gauthier, after a solid season with HC Ajoie where he scored 10 goals and made 8 assists in 44 games, is set to join Vityaz in the KHL. His physical presence, standing at 196 cm and weighing 108 kg, combined with his scoring ability, will add depth to Vityaz’s roster. Gauthier’s experience from different leagues will also bring a diverse skill set to his new team. This move marks an exciting new chapter in Gauthier’s career, who won gold medals with Team Canada at the U18 an U20 level.

Nicholas Baptiste

From Tappara (Finnish Liiga) to Vityaz

The Moscow Region franchise didn’t hesitate to sign the 2023-2024 Liiga champion Nicholas Baptiste, who will bring physicality and offensive skills to the team. Baptiste, standing at 185 cm and 91 kg, won the gold medal with Canada at the 2013 U18s and participated twice at the JCWC with the Sudbury Wolves. After several years in various North American leagues, including 47 NHL games, Baptiste moved to Europe in 2021, signing with Ilves of the Finnish Liiga. He then lined up in the DEL and again in Finland with Tappara, where he won the title last year. Baptiste will bring experience and two-way skills to the Moscow Region franchise.

Dean Stewart

From Manitoba Moose to Vityaz

A Canadian defenseman completes Vityaz’s hat-trick of signings, with stay-at-home defenseman Dean Stewart joining from the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. Stewart, 25, will be at his first stint in Europe, after playing his whole career in North America, including four NCAA seasons and three consecutive years in the AHK with the Moose. Stewart will be an interesting player to follow in the upcoming season. Vityaz also has Canadian defenseman Jeremy Roy under contract for the 2024-2025 campaign.

Adam Clendening

From Ilves to Kunlun Red Star

Not only did the Dragons renew ties with Doyle Somerby, but they also inked the American defenseman Adam Clendening, most recently with Ilves of the Finnish Liiga. The smooth-skating blueliner was at his first experience overseas, and he had a striking season, with 28 (8+20) points in 40 regular-season games. He was also on the Team USA roster that won bronze at the 2011 IIHF World Championships in Riga. Clendening is expected to bring points from the blue line for the Dragons.

Adam Ruzicka

From Arizona Coyotes to Spartak

After several seasons spent in North America, the large-framed Slovakian forward will return to Europe, inking a one-year deal with Spartak. The Bratislava native moved overseas back in 2016 and spent there all the following seasons, with stints in the OHL, the AHL and the NHL, where he lined up for more than 100 games. Most recently, Ruzicka lined up for the Calgary Flames and the Arizona Coyotes. It will be interesting to follow his adaptation after all these years in the North American leagues, but Spartak looks like a good fit for this player as the Red-and-Whites were seeking options to strengthen their already good roster.