Tkachov, Sharipzyanov, and Anas named finalists for Golden Stick award

KHL.ru presents the finalists for the Golden Stick award – the trophy for the most valuable player of the 2025-2026 KHL regular season.

The Golden Stick award recipient is determined by a vote among all the Kontinental Hockey League head coaches. Metallurg’s Vladimir Tkachyov, Avangard’s Damir Sharipzyanov, and Dinamo Minsk’s Sam Anas are the three finalists for the 2025-2026 edition.

Vladimir Tkachyov (Metallurg)

71 (13+58) points in 66 games

After joining Metallurg during the offseason, Tkachyov finished the regular season as the team’s leading scorer and top playmaker. He also led the entire league in assists and ranked fourth in overall scoring.

Damir Sharipzyanov (Avangard)

67 (23+44) points in 66 games

The Avangard’s captain broke Chris Lee’s record for the most points by a defenseman in a single KHL regular season. He finished fifth in league scoring, while also leading all defensemen in both points and goals. Sharipzyanov additionally ranked third in average ice time at 22:44 per game.

Sam Anas (Dinamo Minsk)

89 (32+57) points in 67 games

The offensive leader of Dinamo Minsk matched Nikita Gusev’s KHL single-season scoring record and became the highest-scoring import player in league history in a single regular season. Anas finished first in league scoring and second in both goals and assists.

Alexander Radulov, Sergei Mozyakin (both four times), Vadim Shipachyov, Dmitrij Jaskin, Nikita Gusev (all twice), Joshua Leivo, and Danis Zaripov have won this award in the past.

The Closing Ceremony for the 2025-2026 season will be held on May 28, 2026.