Graham and Johnson lead the way. Week 10 top imports
Jesse Graham and Luke Johnson shine as top performers of the week, joined by standout players from other nations. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
Canada
D, HC Sochi, 3 G, 4 (0+4) points, +1
For the second time in his KHL career, Jesse Graham of HC Sochi has earned the title of Best Defenseman of the Week. The skilled blueliner made an impressive impact over three games, tallying four assists and contributing to his team’s overall success with a positive plus-minus of +1. Graham was also a defensive anchor, showcasing his shot-blocking ability by stopping six shots and successfully intercepting one pass. His performance highlighted not only his offensive support but also his reliability in defensive situations, solidifying his recognition as one of the league’s top performers this week. With HC Sochi still hunting for a playoff spot, Graham’s production will be more and more needed for the Black Sea franchise.
USA
F, Metallurg, 3 G, 3 (3+0) points, +4
A player that is more known for his strong two-way game than his scoring abilities, Johnson had a spectacular week, totaling three goals in three games, with a plus-4 rating. On Tuesday, the forward potted a double, including the game-winning, OT goal in Metallurg’s 3:2 win in Vladivostok. After being held scoreless in Magnitka’s 2:1 away win in Khabarovsk, Johnson potted his sixth goal of the season when his team defeated Sibir on Saturday (4:1). The North Dakota native posted a plus-2 rating for the night. With Metallurg looking to repeat last year’s success, Johnson 200-foot game will be a formidable weapon to Razin’s arsenal as the playoffs get closer and closer.
Czechia
D, Admiral, 3 G, 4 (0+4) points, -1
The Czech defenseman had yet another strong week despite the negative differential, scoring points in all games and helping Admiral winning two games from three. In the Sailors’ losing effort against Metallurg on Tuesday (2:3), Sulak posted an assist and ended the game with an even differential. Then, he had another two helpers when Admiral defeated Avangard on Thursday (3:2), getting to ten assists for the season. He logged more than twenty-five minutes on the ice in that game. On Saturday, the Sailors celebrated another victory, against Traktor, with Sulak stretching his scoring streak adding a further helper to his loot. Admiral is having a good season, being the fifth seed in the season, and Sulak is making a strong contribution for the Vladivostok team.
USA/Russia
F, Salavat Yulaev, 3 G, 4 (2+2) points, +1
The Ufa team is progressing nicely in the season, with Chmelevski keeping on being a key player for the franchise. After scoring no points in Salavat Yulaev’s win over Sibir on Tuesday (3:2 SO), Chmelevski scored a goal in his team’s SO loss to Dinamo Minsk on Thursday, finally halting a four-game scoring draught. After his good play in Belarus, Chmelevski was once again a key player for Salavat Yulaev, participating in all three goals in his team’s away victory against Torpedo (3:2). With the hosts up by two by the start of the third period, Chmelevski netted his eleventh goal of the season to make it a 1:2 game, then assisted Danil Alalykin’s game-tying tally with fewer than six minutes to the final hooter. In OT, Chmelevski assisted Joshua Leivo’s game-winner, marking his eighth three-point game in his three years in the league. Salavat Yulaev are one of the hottest teams in the league, and Chmelevski is ready to further up his game.
