Big moves for Dragons, SKA, and Salavat. Top transfers
The Shanghai Dragons add Amir Miftakhov, SKA lands Daniil Miromanov, and Evgeny Kuznetsov joins Sibir. KHL.ru presents the best transfers of the last few weeks.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, F
From Salavat Yulaev to Sibir
Evgeny Kuznetsov has signed a one-year contract with Sibir after joining Salavat Yulaev midway through the 2025-2026 season. The 34-year-old center split the regular season between Metallurg and Salavat, recording 27 (7+20) points in 34 games, including 18 (6+12) in 19 games after moving to Salavat. He added 2 (1+1) points through seven playoff appearances.
A former first-round NHL Draft pick and Stanley Cup champion with Washington, Kuznetsov has also played in the KHL for Traktor and SKA. He now joins Sibir on a one-year deal for the 2026-2027 season as the team is trying to load up. With Andy Andreoff leaving the team, the Novosibirsk side has four import spots open as the season approaches.
Daniil Miromanov, D
From the Calgary Wranglers (AHL) to SKA
Daniil Miromanov has joined SKA after spending most of the 2025-2026 season with Calgary’s AHL affiliate, the Wranglers. The 28-year-old defenseman recorded 38 points (11+27) in 66 AHL games, while appearing in just one NHL game for the Flames. A former KHL player with HC Sochi, Miromanov made the move to North America in 2021 and went on to play 65 NHL games, including time with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Calgary Flames. His connection with Igor Larionov dates back to youth camps in Detroit, where Larionov helped him transition from forward to defenseman. Now, he’ll be his bench boss in St. Petersburg.
Amir Miftakhov, G
From the Chicago Wolves (AHL) to the Shanghai Dragons
After spending the 2025-2026 season in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves, Amir Miftakhov returned to the KHL with the Shanghai Dragons. The 26-year-old goalie appeared in 28 regular-season games, posting a 12-12-3 record, 3.25 GAA and .888 SV%, before making four playoff appearances. He previously played for Ak Bars, with 87 career appearances, and the Dragons had to acquire his KHL rights from the Kazan club before signing him. He now returns to the KHL looking for a fresh start with the Dragons, who released Slovak goalie Patrik Rybar.
Joseph Blandisi, F
From SKA to Salavat Yulaev
Joseph Blandisi moved to Salavat Yulaev after playing the 2025-2026 season for SKA. The 32-year-old Canadian forward recorded 29 (12+17) points in 62 regular-season games, adding two goals in four postseason appearances with the St. Petersburg franchise. A veteran of more than 100 NHL games and 450 AHL ones, Blandisi was at his first experience overseas after four years with the Toronto Marlies. He will now become the fourth Canadian on Salavat Yulaev’s roster alongside Sheldon Rempal, Devin Brosseau, Jack Rodewald, and Dean Stewart as the Ufa franchise wants to return his status of an Eastern Conference contender.
Anthony Camara, F
From Iserlohn (Germany) to Admiral
32-year-old forward Anthony Camara is returning to the KHL after signing with Admiral following the 2025-2026 season with Iserlohn in the German DEL. The Toronto, Ontario, native recorded 25 (10+15) points in 32 games in Germany. Camara previously played three KHL seasons, appearing for Neftekhimik, Barys and Lada. His best campaign came in 2022-2023, when he posted 31 (14+17) points in 65 games for Neftekhimik, adding two assists in four playoff games. Overall, Camara has 147 KHL games and 67 (31+36) points as Admiral keeps on adding experience to its lineup. He’ll be the Sailors’ fourth import after Mario Grman, Libor Sulak, and Kyle Olson.
Cedric Paquette, F
From Dynamo Moscow to Avangard
Cédric Paquette just moved to Avangard after being with Dynamo Moscow last term. The 32-year-old Canadian forward recorded 10 (6+4) points in 21 regular-season games, after registering 34 (16+18) points in 64 games the previous season. Paquette has been one of the KHL’s more productive Canadian forwards since arriving in the league, also posting 35 (22+13) points in 57 games in his first season with Dynamo. A Stanley Cup champion with Tampa Bay, he has now signed with Avangard for the 2026-2027 season as he adds size and experience to the Hawks’ lineup.
Brennan Menell, D
From SKA to the Shanghai Dragons
The 29-year-old American defenseman, who also holds Russian citizenship, moves to the Shanghai Dragons after recording 18 (9+9) points with a plus-4 rating in 60 games during the 2025-2026 regular season, his first campaign with SKA. Menell previously spent time with Dinamo Minsk and Dynamo Moscow in the KHL, establishing himself as a reliable two-way defenseman. Menell now moves to the Dragons on a one-year contract for the 2026-27 season.
