SKA, Ak Bars strengthen up with NHL returnees
Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alexander Barabanov return to the league as they sign with contenders.
Alexander Barabanov: From NHL to Ak Bars Kazan
Alexander Barabanov’s professional hockey career has been marked by significant achievements and a journey across leagues. From his early days in the KHL to his time in the NHL and his return to Russia with Ak Bars, Barabanov has shown his skill, determination, and adaptability.
Early Career in the KHL
Barabanov began his professional career in the KHL with SKA during the 2013-2014 season. His time with SKA included lifting the Gagarin Cup twice, in 2015 and 2017, establishing him as a strong player in the league.
In the 2018-2019 season, Barabanov was named a KHL All-Star, further highlighting his capabilities on the ice. His best season came in 2018-2019 when he recorded 46 points in 59 games. His impressive performance drew the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his move to North America.
Transition to the NHL
Barabanov made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2020-2021 season. After adjusting to the faster pace and more physical play in the NHL, he was traded to the San Jose Sharks, where his performance notably improved.
During his time with the Sharks, Barabanov had a standout season in 2021-2022, scoring 10 goals and 29 assists in 70 games. He followed this with an even better performance in the 2022-2023 season, recording 15 goals and 32 assists in 67 games.
However, the 2023-24 season was challenging for Barabanov due to injuries and illness, limiting him to just 46 appearances and resulting in a dip in his performance. Despite these setbacks, his overall NHL career stats remain solid, with 32 goals and 75 assists in 206 games.
Return to the KHL with Ak Bars
As the 2024 NHL free agency period began, Barabanov was unsigned by an NHL team. With interest from several KHL teams, he decided to return to Russia, signing with Ak Bars. This move offers him the opportunity to play a significant role in one of the KHL’s top teams.
Ak Bars Kazan, known for its competitive nature and strong roster, provides an excellent environment for Barabanov to continue his career. His experience in both the KHL and NHL will be valuable to the team, and there is anticipation for his impact in this new setting.
The Tatarstan franchise has shuffled its roster this summer, with several players leaving the team, like Vadim Shipachyov, Vyacheslav Voynov, and Evgeny Svechnikov, with Nic Petan, Albert Yarullin, and Yegor Korshkov joining the squad, among the others.
Evgeny Kuznetsov: returning with style
Evgeny Kuznetsov made the headlines again this month, opting to return to Russia after spending 11 seasons in the National Hockey League, most notably with the Washington Capitals. The former Stanley Cup champion inked a four-year deal in St. Petersburg.
Before making his mark in the NHL, Kuznetsov began his professional career in the KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk. His early years in the KHL showcased his potential as a top-tier player. In the 2010-2011 season, Kuznetsov recorded 32 points in 44 games, demonstrating his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities. His performance, talent, and smiley personality earned him a spot in the KHL All-Star Game in 2012 and 2013.
Move to the NHL
Kuznetsov was drafted 26th overall by the Washington Capitals back in the 2010 NHL Draft. Over the course of his 11-season NHL career, he played for the Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes, amassing impressive statistics. In 743 regular-season games, the talented forward scored 173 goals and provided 402 assists, totaling 575 points. His playoff performance was equally commendable, with 73 points in 97 games.
One of Kuznetsov’s most significant achievements came in the 2017-2018 season when he played a pivotal role in the Capitals’ Stanley Cup triumph. He led the playoffs in scoring with 32 points in 24 games, earning him the distinction of being the leading scorer during the Capitals’ championship run. Kuznetsov’s performance in the elimination stage was instrumental in securing the Capitals’ first-ever Stanley Cup title.
Throughout his NHL career, Kuznetsov received several accolades. He was selected for the NHL All-Star Game in 2016 and was a key player for the Capitals, often alternating with Swede Nicklas Backstrom – who lined up for Dynamo Moscow in the 2021 NHL lockout – as the team’s top center. His high hockey IQ and playmaking abilities made him a valuable asset to his teams.
On the international stage
Kuznetsov’s success extends beyond the NHL to the international stage. Representing Russia, he has won multiple medals in various international tournaments. He secured two World Championship gold medals in 2012 and 2014 and three bronze medals in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Kuznetsov also shone in the U20 World Junior Championships level, where he was named to the All-Star Team in 2011 – helping team Russia landing a gold medal – and 2012. In 2012, he was recognized as the U20 WJC Best Forward and Most Valuable Player as the Russians lost to Sweden in the finals.
Return to the KHL
SKA had a busy offseason, shuffling its roster after a disappointing ending of the 2023-2024 season – much like Ak Bars. Other than Kuznetsov, SKA signed Nikita Zaitsev from Chicago, Sergei Plotnikov and Mikhail Grigorenko from CSKA, and Sergei Andronov from Lokomotiv, other than acquiring several young players, including defenseman Timur Kol. With such a strong roster – at least on paper – SKA will try to return to the Gagarin Cup finals.
