Yaroslavl celebrates, Traktor adds another Bear
August 1 marked the end of the summer for most KHL teams. But roster-building continues, with a veteran coach returning to the league and yet another Calder Cup winner arriving from the AHL. Meanwhile, Lokomotiv staged its title parade and the league announced a couple of tweaks to the rules for the coming season.
Champions on parade
Most of the KHL’s teams returned from the summer break on Friday. But amid the gruelling medical checks and pre-season preparations, Lokomotiv took time out to celebrate last season’s Gagarin Cup triumph. The Railwaymen dedicated Sunday to a victory parade through Yaroslavl. During the day, the main square was the focal point, with the team gathering on a giant stage to party with the fans. Later, the action moved to Arena-2000 for an evening concert.
Krikunov’s back
Vladimir Krikunov, one of the most experienced Russian coaches, is back in the KHL after a three-year break. The 75-year-old is taking charge of Sochi for the coming season – fully 40 years after his first head coaching gig at Dinamo Minsk in the Soviet second tier. In the KHL, Krikunov has led Neftekhimik, Ak Bars, Barys, Avtomobilist, Dynamo Moscow and Dinamo Minsk. Career highlights include winning the Russian Superleague with Dynamo in 2005, coaching Russia to World Championship bronze that year and at the 2006 Olympics. He also got Kazakhstan promoted to the top division of the Worlds while in charge at Barys in 2012/2013.
Mixed outcomes for import D-men
Two long-serving defensemen were in this week’s transfer news – but for different reasons. At Avtomobilist, Nick Ebert agreed a new contract that will keep him in Yekaterinburg until 2027. The 31-year-old American spent the past three seasons with the Motormen and has 200 KHL appearances in total, including a season with Slovan in 2017/2018. However, Slovak blue-liner Michal Cajkovsky, who played the first of his 444 KHL games for Avto in 2016, is looking for new employment. Spartak placed the 33-year-old on waivers last week. The former Dynamo Moscow and Sibir man helped Slovakia to a historic Olympic bronze in 2022 but did not feature for Spartak in last seasons’ playoffs and was reassigned to the VHL.
Tkachyov looks to emulate Mozyakin
Vladimir Tkachyov looked set to be a long-term leader at Avangard – but a combination of injury and a change of coaching led him away from Omsk. However, it’s no surprise that another top KHL club moved quickly to snap him up, and now he’s off to Metallurg. The move recalls Sergei Mozyakin’s arrival in the Urals: like Tkachyov, Mozyakin was 30 when he went to Magnitogorsk. Both players had enjoyed cult status and gone close to hardware, but neither had won a cup. We all know how the move worked out for Mozyakin: can Tkachyov match those legendary achievements?
Todd joins Spartak
The Red-and-Whites added a new import to the roster, securing the services of Canadian forward Nathan Todd. The 29-year-old was with Salavat Yulaev last season and enjoyed a productive campaign, with 57 (16+41) points in 72 games. However, the Ufa club is undergoing a financial reshuffle at the moment and is shedding several of its top earners – a situation of which Spartak is happy to take advantage.
Comtois to stay at Dynamo, Gusev to wait and see
Across Moscow, Dynamo secured Canadian forward Max Comtois for another season. Last term, the 26-year-old made a slow start but evolved into one of his team’s most creative and productive players. He finished with 63 (28+35) points from 77 games to help the Blue-and-Whites to the last four. Dynamo’s leading scoring Nikita Gusev may also return for another campaign, but as we saw last season, he is looking to keep his options open in case of another chance in the NHL. As a result, the 2018 Olympic hero is currently on a try-out in Moscow – an odd situation for a player who plundered a league-leading 80 points last term.
Vecchione joins Hershey reunion at Traktor
This summer has brought several Calder Cup winners from the AHL to the K. Mike Vecchione is the latest, joining Traktor from Hershey Bears. The 32-year-old American forward is coming to Europe for the first time, but it won’t be entirely unfamiliar for him. His new team-mates include Logan Day and Pierrick Dube, both of whom played with him on title-winning teams in Hershey. Winger Vecchione isn’t the biggest of players, but is noted for his strength and energy, as well as a dangerous shot from the slot.
Cassels leaves CSKA
American forward Cole Cassels agreed to quit CSKA with a year remaining on his contract. The 30-year-old arrived in the KHL last season, initially with Avangard, but struggled to make an impact. He played 58 games in total for the two clubs, but managed just 12 (2+10) points.
Rule changes
Last week’s KHL board meeting ratified two changes to the rules for the coming season. In future, penalty shoot-outs will have three rounds before going to sudden death. At present, there are five rounds, a rule introduced in 2017. In addition, the trade deadline has moved from Dec. 27 to Jan. 25.
