Barys’ double move, Dinamo Minsk and Kunlun gear up. Top transfers
Barys, Dinamo Minsk, and Kunlun Red Star sign North American players, while a familiar face moves to Admiral. KHL.ru presents the top transfers of the last few weeks of summer action.
Jordan Gross
From Milwaukee (AHL) to Dinamo Minsk
Jordan Gross, a seasoned defenseman, is Dinamo Minsk’s new signing on the blue line. The blueliner comes with more than 200 appearances at the AHL level, and 25 games in the NHL with the Nashville Predators, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Arizona Coyotes. His robust performance and experience will undoubtedly bolster Dinamo Minsk’s defense. Gross’s addition to the team comes at a time when Dinamo Minsk is seeking to build on its success from the previous seasons and its will to finally play more than playoff round. Gross’ defensive prowess and ability to contribute to the team’s offensive plays will be a valuable asset to Dinamo Minsk as they strive for continued success in the KHL.
Hudson Elynuik
From Chicago (AHL) to Kunlun Red Star
Hudson Elynuik, a large-framed forward from Alberta, has recently transferred to Kunlun Red Star in the KHL. In the 2023-2024 season, Elynuik played 46 games for the Chicago Wolves, scoring 7 goals and adding 13 assists. His move to Kunlun Red Star is expected to strengthen the team’s offensive line-up. Elynuik’s scoring ability and experience in the AHL will be a valuable addition to Kunlun Red Star as they aim to improve their performance in the upcoming KHL season. Hudson’s father Pat has played more than 520 games in the NHL. Recently, the Dragons have also signed goalie Konstantin Volkov from Dynamo Moscow.
Jake Rodewald
From Traktor to Admiral
Forward Jack Rodewald has recently joined Admiral after spending last term in Chelyabinsk. In the 2023-2024 season, Rodewald played 59 games, scoring 8 goals and 13 assists for Traktor2. His move to Admiral is expected to bolster the team’s attack. Rodewald’s scoring prowess and KHL experience will be a significant asset to Admiral as they strive to enhance their performance in the forthcoming KHL season. The Sailors also renewed ties with Giovanni Fiore, thus getting their import quota to a full five-man squad.
Jayden Halbgewachs
From Frolunda (SHL) to Kunlun Red Star
Dynamic forward Jayden Halbgewachs has also signed with Kunlun Red Star.In the 2023-2024 season, Halbgewachs played 11 games, scoring 3 goals and 3 assists for Frolunda after starting the season in his native North America. Prior to that, he won the SHL title in 2022-23 with Vaxjo. His move to Kunlun Red Star is expected to inject pace and flair into their offense. Halbgewachs’ scoring ability, coupled with his championship experience, will be a significant asset to Kunlun Red Star as they aim to improve their performance in the upcoming 2024-2025 campaign.
Luka Profaca
From San Diego (AHL)/Tulsa (ECHL) to Neftekhimik
At just 22, defenseman Luka Profaca has made a significant move in his career inking a deal with Neftekhimik. In the 2023-2024 season, Profaca played 29 games for the Tulsa Oilers in the ECHL, scoring 3 goals and 9 assists. He also appeared twice for the San Diego Gulls in the AHL, contributing one assist. Despite his youth, Profaca brings a strong defensive presence and an ability to contribute offensively. His move to Neftekhimik is expected to bolster the Wolves’ defense while adding depth to their roster. His experience in North American leagues will undoubtedly be an asset to his new team, who will be trying to reach postseason hockey again.
Nathan Beaulieu
From Kloten (Switzerland) to Barys
Veteran NHL defenseman Nathan Beaulieu, 31, has recently signed a one-year contract with Barys. In the 2023-2024 season, the Ontario native played 13 games for Kloten of the Swiss National League, contributing two assists. With 11 seasons in the NHL under his belt, including stints with Montreal, Buffalo, Winnipeg, and Anaheim, Beaulieu brings significant experience to his new team. Known for his confident play in his own zone and hard work, Beaulieu is expected to strengthen the Kazakhs’ defensive lineup and contribute to the team’s overall performance as Barys will try to return to the playoffs – just like Neftekhimik.
C.J. Smith
From JYP (Finland) to Barys
The forward decided to transition from JYP in Finland to Barys. In the 2023-2024 season, Smith lined up in 33 games for JYP, scoring 8 goals and assisting 12 times. Smith’s Calder Cup triumph in 2022 with the Chicago Wolves is a testament to his winning mentality – that year, he played side to side with players like Joshua Leivo and Maxim Letunov. His offensive prowess and experience will be invaluable to Barys. Smith’s ability to score crucial goals, as demonstrated in his impressive stats and his significant contribution to the Wolves’ Calder Cup victory, will undoubtedly boost Barys’ offensive line-up.
