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Rendulic returns, Chen’s goals, and Todd’s consistency. Week 7 Top imports
Rendulic returns in the league with style, Chen maintains his impressive form, and Todd helps Metallurg amidst coaching changes. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
Czechia
D, Admiral, 3 G, 5 (1+4) points, +4
Czech defenseman Libor Sulak earned Defenseman of the Week honors after delivering a spectacular five-point performance for Admiral on Sunday. He scored once and added four assists in a 5–4 OT victory over Barys, finishing the game with a plus-3 rating and seven shots on goal. Sulak also helped Admiral record a 2–0 shutout win over Salavat Yulaev earlier in the week, although the team closed its run with a 0–3 loss to Amur. He finished with a plus-4 rating across the three games and averaged 23:57 of ice time, underlining his importance at both ends of the ice as Admiral is fighting for a playoff spot in the East.
Croatia
F, Admiral, 3 G, 1 (1+0) point, +1
Croatian forward Borna Rendulic made an immediate impact after joining Admiral, scoring the opening goal in a 2–0 win over Salavat Yulaev on his debut. However, he went scoreless in the Sailors’ next two games, a 5–4 overtime win over Barys and a 3–0 loss to Amur. Rendulic still showed glimpses of his scoring threat in Khabarovsk, forcing an excellent save from the Tigers’ goalie Alexander Trushkov. With a proven scoring record in the KHL, the Croatian forward will be eager to build on his promising start and provide the Sailors with another reliable offensive option as the team continues its push for a playoff place.
Norway
G, Traktor, 1 G, 1 W, 95.0%, 1.00 GAA
Norwegian goaltender Henrik Haukeland helped Traktor secure a valuable 3–1 victory over Ak Bars, stopping 19 of 20 shots for a .950 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against average. His composed performance gave Chelyabinsk a solid foundation, allowing the team to protect its lead and secure a second consecutive win after beating Shanghai Dragons 6–2. Traktor has struggled for consistency this season, making every point important in the competitive Eastern Conference playoff race. Haukeland’s ability to deliver reliable performances between the pipes could prove crucial as the team looks to build momentum and secure a postseason berth.
US
F, Shanghai Dragons, 4 G, 3 (3+0) points, +2
US forward David Chen is making an impressive start to his debut KHL season, having now scored six goals in his last seven games. He found the net against Sochi, Severstal, and Spartak during the week, helping Shanghai Dragons complete a four-game road trip with four victories. Chen's scoring touch has been a major asset as the Dragons build momentum and climb the standings. With the team showing signs of real progress and Chen emerging as a reliable offensive threat, Shanghai look increasingly capable of returning to the playoffs.
Canada
F, Metallurg, 2 G, 4 (1+3) points, +4
Canada’s Nathan Todd recorded four points in two games for Metallurg, collecting a goal and an assist in a 4–5 SO loss to Salavat Yulaev before adding two assists in a 5–1 victory over Sibir. He finished the week with four points (1+3), a plus-4 rating, and three shots on goal, averaging 18:35 of ice time. His productive run came amid significant coaching changes at Metallurg: after Andrei Razin’s departure, Vladimir Vorobyov and assistant Evgeny Mikhalkevich also left for SKA, with Yury Trubachyov briefly taking interim charge before Konstantin Shafranov was appointed head coach. Todd helped Shafranov make a winning start with the emphatic victory over Sibir as Magnitka kept its strong grip on the Eastern Conference standings.
