First international signings. Top transfers

In the first week of signings, several international players found themselves a new home, with CSKA claiming two newcomers.

Darren Dietz

From Dinamo Minsk to Sibir

Veteran defenseman Darren Dietz is on the move again, signing a two-year contract with Sibir after spending the 2025-2026 campaign in Belarus. The Canadian blueliner appeared in 64 games for the Bisons, recording 31 (6+23) points and providing valuable experience to a team that reached the second round of the Gagarin Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive year.

A two-time Gagarin Cup champion with CSKA, Dietz has played more than 500 KHL games for Barys, CSKA, Avangard, Dinamo Minsk, and Avtomobilist, totaling over 260 career points. Sibir will hope his experience and versatility can help strengthen a blue line that lacked offensive production at times last season. Even at 32, Dietz remains one of the league’s most recognizable international defensemen and will be expected to play a significant role in all situations.

Rob Hamilton

From Dinamo Minsk to CSKA

After two productive seasons with Dinamo Minsk, Canadian defenseman Rob Hamilton is heading to CSKA. Last season, the blueliner recorded 25 (5+20) points in 63 regular-season games, finishing among Dinamo’s top-scoring defensemen and playing a key role in the club’s run to the second round of the Gagarin Cup Playoffs.

Hamilton arrived in the KHL in 2024 and quickly established himself as a reliable two-way defenseman. Over two seasons and a half with the Belarusian club, he amassed 70 points in 206 games while averaging significant minutes in all situations. CSKA will look to capitalize on his mobility, puck-moving ability, and experience as the Moscow side continues to reshape its roster following a disappointing 2025-2026 campaign. The 31-year-old is expected to play an important role on the blue line and contribute at both ends of the ice.

Michael Vecchione

From Barys to Torpedo

After a difficult debut season in the KHL with Barys, American forward Michael Vecchione will remain in the league, signing with Torpedo. Despite playing for one of. The league’s bottom teams, Vecchione was one of the few bright spots in Astana, leading Barys in scoring with 46 (19+27) points in 65 regular-season games.

The 32-year-old joined Barys last summer after successful spells in North America and quickly became one of the club's most consistent offensive contributors. Torpedo will hope that a stronger supporting cast and a more attack-minded system can help unlock even more of his offensive potential. With a strong KHL season under his belt and a reputation as a smart, versatile forward, Vecchione is expected to strengthen Torpedo’s top six and play a prominent role on the power play.

Logan Day

From Traktor to Barys

After helping Traktor reach the Gagarin Cup Final two years ago, defenseman Logan Day is heading to Kazakhstan, signing with Barys. The American blueliner appeared in 71 games between the regular season and playoffs for Traktor in 2025-2026, recording 16 (3+13) points in the campaign.

Day joined Traktor in 2024 and quickly developed into one of the club’s most reliable defensemen. Barys will hope the 31-years-old can become a cornerstone of its blue line and help improve a team that struggled at both ends of the ice in 2025-2026. Day arrives in Astana as an intriguing option among defensemen available on this summer’s market.

Derek Barach

From Metallurg to CSKA

Forward Derek Barach is set for a new challenge in Moscow after signing with CSKA following his stint with Metallurg. In the 2025-2026 regular season, the American forward recorded 40 (21+19) points in 62 games, while also adding 6 (2+4) points in 15 playoff appearances as Metallurg reached the postseason.

Barach played two seasons with Vityaz and one in Magnitogorsk, where he established himself as a versatile middle-six forward capable of playing in multiple roles. Across his KHL career, he has totaled 124 (54+70) points in 213 games, combining speed and responsible two-way play. CSKA will expect him to bring depth scoring and energy to the lineup, while also providing flexibility across different forward combinations in a reshaped roster for the 2026-2027 campaign.