Record-breaking Anas, resurgent Sprong. Regular season’s top imports
Anas’ elite production, Sprong’s domination, Da Costa’s experience and Leivo’s consistency. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
US
F, Dinamo Minsk, 67 G, 89 (32+57) points, +25
Sam Anas enjoyed a sensational regular season with Dinamo Minsk, emerging as one of the league’s most impactful imports as he broke the single-season record for the Belarusian franchise. The American forward racked up 89 (32+57) points in 67 games, tying Nikita Gusev’s single-season record and confirming his elite offensive consistency. With a plus-25 rating and disciplined play (only 14 PIM), Anas proved to be both productive and reliable. As Dinamo Minsk enters the playoffs with high ambitions, his scoring touch will be crucial in the elimination stage as the Belarusians face Dynamo Moscow in the first round.
Canada
F, Traktor, 62 G, 65 (26+39) points, +15
Joshua Leivo made an immediate impact in his first season with Traktor after moving from Salavat Yulaev, establishing himself as one of the team’s key offensive weapons. The Canadian winger recorded 65 (26+39) points in 62 games, averaging over a point per night, while adding six doubles and 19 multi-point performances. With a strong plus-15 rating, Leivo combined consistency and finishing ability. As Traktor heads into the playoffs, his scoring presence will be vital in the elimination stage. The Black-and-Whites face Ak Bars in the opening round.
Czechia
D, Admiral, 68 G, 43 (14+29) points, even
Libor Sulak stood out as a bright spot for Admiral despite the team’s inconsistent season and failure to reach the playoffs. The Czech defenseman produced 43 (14+29) points in 68 games, showcasing strong offensive instincts from the blue line while maintaining a physical edge with 32 penalty minutes. Even on a struggling side, Sulak remained a reliable contributor at both ends of the ice, underlining his value as one of the league’s most productive import defensemen in his sixth KHL season.
Slovakia
D, Lokomotiv, 59 G, 31 (12+19) points, +34
Martin Gernat delivered another outstanding season on the blue line for the Railwaymen, combining solid production with elite defensive impact. The Slovak defenseman recorded 31 (12+19) points in 59 games and led the entire league in plus/minus (plus-34), underlining his two-way dominance. A Gagarin Cup winner last year and an Olympian this season, Gernat continues to be a cornerstone for his team. As Lokomotiv pushes for back-to-back titles, his presence will be crucial in the elimination stage.
Netherlands
F, Avtomobilist, 52 G, 64 (30+34) points, +15
Daniel Sprong was one of the most dynamic imports of the season, producing 64 (30+34) points in just 52 games while splitting the year between CSKA and Avtomobilist. After a midseason move, the Dutch forward elevated his game even further, posting an impressive 33 points in 23 outings with the Motormen at a 1.43 points-per-game pace. With his speed and finishing ability, Sprong proved to be a difference-maker, and his offensive spark will be key in the elimination stage as he already showed in the first game against Salavat Yulaev.
Croatia
F, Shanghai Dragons, 62 G, 44 (20+24) points, -10
Borna Rendulic remained a consistent offensive presence for Shanghai despite a difficult season for the Dragons, who ultimately missed the playoffs. The Croatian forward, in his fifth KHL season, finished with 44 (20+24) points in 62 games, providing steady production across the campaign while handling top-line responsibilities in tough circumstances. With 16 penalty minutes and a minus-10 rating on a struggling team, Rendulic still stood out as one of the few reliable contributors. His experience and scoring touch underline his importance as Shanghai looks to rebuild moving forward.
France
F, Avtomobilist, 50 G, 44 (15+29) points, +19
The Frenchman continued to demonstrate why veteran presence matters in the KHL, delivering a strong season for Avtomobilist despite advancing years. Da Costa tallied 44 (15+29) points in 50 games, averaging nearly a point per contest while contributing a plus-19 rating and a disciplined 12 penalty minutes. Da Costa’s experience and playmaking ability remain invaluable, and his consistent offensive output will be a key asset for Avtomobilist as they enter the high-stakes elimination stage. Da Costa had eleven seasons in the league and is under contract in Yekaterinburg for a further season.
Sweden
D, Metallurg, 62 G, 41 (5+36) points, +4
Robin Press enjoyed another productive campaign with Metallurg, marking his third regular season surpassing 40 points (and adding one just shy at 39 in previous years). The Swedish defenseman contributed 41 (5+36) points in 62 games, showcasing his offensive instincts from the blue line while maintaining solid defensive responsibility. Press’s ability to drive play and generate scoring opportunities makes him a reliable two-way force, and his production will be crucial as Metallurg heads into the playoff elimination stage.
