Dragons load up, key names renew. Top transfers
The Shanghai Dragons signed critical player for the upcoming campaign, while Barys and Lada renewed ties with key figures. KHL.ru presents the top transfers of the last week.
Martin Frk, F
From the Calgary Wranglers to the Shanghai Dragons
Martin Frk joins the Shanghai Dragons from the Calgary Wranglers after a strong 2025-2026 AHL campaign, in which the Czech forward recorded 60 (30+30) points in 66 games. A proven scorer throughout his career, Frk has collected 437 (224+213) points in 536 AHL games and added 124 NHL appearances with the Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, and Los Angeles Kings. He also had a stint in Switzerland in the 2023-2024 season.
Known for his powerful shot, Frk has been one of the AHL’s most dangerous offensive weapons in recent years and was named to the AHL All-Star Classic in 2020 and won the AHL’s Calder Cup back in 2017. With his scoring ability and international experience, he is expected to become one of Shanghai’s go-to offensive players next season.
Riley Sawchuk, F
New contract with Lada
Riley Sawchuk has signed a new one-year contract with Lada after an excellent debut KHL season. The Canadian forward led Togliatti in scoring in 2025-2026, recording 45 (23+22) points in 68 games and becoming the team’s top scorer. Sawchuk was the only Lada player to appear in every regular-season game, while his 23 goals set a new club record for a single KHL season.
The 26-year-old forward also represented Lada at the 2026 KHL All-Star Game and served as an alternate captain during his first campaign in the league. After making an immediate impact in Togliatti, Sawchuk will remain one of Lada’s key offensive players next season.
Rhett Gardner, F
From CSKA to Dinamo Minsk
Rhett Gardner joins Dinamo Minsk from CSKA, becoming the Belarusian club’s first acquisition of the summer transfer campaign. The Canadian forward made his KHL debut in 2025-2026, appearing in 74 games for CSKA and recording 11 (1+10) points. While his offensive numbers were modest, Gardner quickly established himself as a reliable two-way center, leading CSKA in faceoff percentage with 56.3% and regularly contributing with his physical play and defensive work.
The 30-year-old brings valuable experience from North America as well, having played 41 NHL games with the Dallas Stars and Philadelphia Flyers. Gardner’s versatility and strength in key situations are expected to add depth and stability to Dinamo Minsk’s lineup.
Mason Morelli, F, and Ian McCoshen, D
New contracts with Barys
Barys have extended contracts with forwards Mason Morelli and defenseman Ian McCoshen. Morelli signed a new two-year deal after a productive first season in Kazakhstan, recording 36 (12+24) points in 63 games in his KHL debut. The American forward quickly became one of Barys’ most consistent offensive contributors and will remain an important part of the team’s plans.
McCoshen agreed to a one-year extension after a solid campaign on the blue line. The defenseman posted 8 (3+5) points in 66 games and played a particularly important role following Reilly Walsh’s departure earlier in the offseason. With his experience, defensive reliability, and ability to handle big minutes, McCoshen is expected to continue providing stability for Barys’ defense next season.
Ben King, F
From the Toronto Marlies to Lada
Ben King joins Lada from the Toronto Marlies after splitting the 2025/26 season between the AHL and ECHL. The Canadian forward recorded 46 (13+33) points in 43 games with the Cincinnati Cyclones before adding four points (2+2) in 20 appearances with the Marlies.
A former fourth-round pick by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2022 NHL Draft, King has collected 60 (29+31) points in 145 career AHL games. The 25-year-old brings size, versatility, and scoring ability to Lada’s lineup, with the club hoping he can make an impact in his first KHL season.
Nick Cicek, D
From the Calgary Wranglers to the Shanghai Dragons
Nick Cicek joins the Shanghai Dragons from the Calgary Wranglers, following teammate Martin Frk after spending the 2025-2026 season in the AHL. The Turkish-Canadian defenseman recorded 25 (7+18) points in 70 games with Calgary, providing a reliable two-way presence on the blue line. He also collected 119 penalty minutes. Cicek also brings NHL experience, having appeared in 16 games with the San Jose Sharks and collecting four assists during the 2022-2023 season.
A physical and versatile defenseman, Cicek shared the ice with Frk in Calgary and will reunite with the Czech forward in Shanghai. His defensive reliability, mobility, and experience at different levels of North American hockey are expected to strengthen the Dragons’ blue line next season.
Nic Petan, F
From HC Ambri-Piotta (Switzerland) to the Shanghai Dragons
Nic Petan returns to the KHL after signing with the Shanghai Dragons from HC Ambri-Piotta. The Canadian forward previously played in the league with Ak Bars during the 2024-2025 season, when he enjoyed an excellent campaign, recording 44 (11+33) points in 47 regular-season games and adding six points (2+4) in 13 playoff appearances.
Petan spent the 2025-2026 season in Switzerland, where he registered four points in 15 games with HC Ambri-Piotta. A skilled playmaker with strong vision and extensive international experience, the 30-year-old forward has also appeared in 170 NHL games and collected 299 points in over 300 AHL contests. Petan’s creativity and offensive ability are expected to make him one of Shanghai’s key forwards next season.
