| 07/20/2010
| Alexander Avtsin signs with Montreal Canadiens
 Alexander Avtsin signed an Entry Level contract with the Montreal Canadiens. The 19 years old forward just skated at the Habs' development camp after consensually breaking his contract with Dynamo Moscow of the KHL. It's still unclear where he will play next season, but most likely he'll spend his first year in North America in the AHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs. Alexander Avtsin (Montreal Canadiens) scored nine points in this year's KHL prior suffering a serious wrist injury that closed his season. |
| 07/08/2010
| Evgeny Nabokov signs with SKA St. Petersburg
Former Calder Trophy winner and 2006, 2010 Olympian Evgeny Nabokov (San Jose Sharks) inked a 4-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. The veteran goalie just hit the free agency market after San Jose Shars decided not to renew his contract. Nabokov signed a 4-year deal as he declared that he wants to quit hockey after winning the gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. |
| 06/27/2010
| Eight Russians picked during 2010 NHL Entry Draft
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| 06/22/2010
| 2010 Russian Draft Preview - The Russian Factor
Since the institution of the new CBA and since the NHL-IIHF agreement ran out, teams and fans started getting familiar with the infamous “Russian Factor”. 2009 had only seven players drafted from Russia, 2008 had 9, 2007 had only 9 as well and this includes players like Panthers’ Dmitry Kulikov (Florida Panthers), who played in North America. In spite of the good quality up for grabs in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, it’s unlikely to see a much larger number of Russian players drafted.
But does the Russian factor actually play significant a role? If we analyze the picks, it seems that the Russian factor is a bit overblown. (Premiumscouting.com article by Alessandro Seren Rosso) READ MORE |
| 06/07/2010
| Inside Kovalchuk's value, where he will sign as free-agent star
 There is no name entering this summer's free agency bigger than Ilya Kovalchuk (New Jersey Devils).
Come to think of it, there has not been a player entering the free agency bigger than Ilya Kovalchuk (New Jersey Devils) in the "new" salary cap NHL. Some arguments may be made about players like Marian Hossa or
Brian Campbell. But they are just not on the same level.
A few things will come into play when Kovalchuk makes his career choice this summer: He is looking for commitment, which means there will be no 1-year deals for a chance at the Cup. He wants the team he chooses to be a contender throughout his stay there. Compensation is also very important. And the city is important -- Kovalchuk has three children. (Puck Daddy article by Dmitry Chesnokov) READ MORE |
| 05/04/2010
| Maxim Goncharov signs with the Phoenix Coyotes
 20-years-old defenseman Maxim Goncharov (Phoenix Coyotes) has been signed to an ELC by his NHL team, as reported by Phoenix' official site. The offensive defenseman this year scored 14 points in 51 KHL games. Most likely Goncharov will start the 2010-11 season within the Coyotes' AHL affiliates, the San Antonio Rampage. |
| 04/28/2010
| Shirokov sticking with chosen path
 Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks) has no plans to abandon his dream.
There are sure to be lucrative offers for the skilled forward to return to Russia and play in the Kontinental Hockey League, but Shirokov is still planning on being in North America next fall.
“Next year I’ll go back to training camp in Vancouver and then we’ll see what we’re doing,” said Shirokov, a 24-year-old from Moscow. “If they send me back down, I’ll go to Winnipeg to play and work hard. I want to play in the NHL.” (Winnipeg Sun article by Ken Wiebe) READ MORE |
| 03/25/2010
| Philadelphia Flyers interested in E. Bodrov and goalie Bobrovsky
The Philadelphia Flyers are interested in doing some shopping in the KHL as they are reported to be scouting center Evgeny Bodrov and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Both players went overlooked in the latest few draftes and now they are two very good, but still young players. With the Flyers in the need of a goalie Bobrovsky might be a welcome addition within the organization as he showed this year that he is a talented goalie who can play under pressure. Let's remember that the Flyers signed Evgeny's brother Denis Bodrov (Philadelphia Flyers) on January. |
| 03/22/2010
| Leafs' Nikolai Kulemin (Toronto Maple Leafs) emerging from his shell
TORONTO - There are go-to guys in every National Hockey League dressing room. Players who attract a crowd of reporters after practices, not necessarily because of what they do during the games, or in between them, but because of what they say. Go-to guys are good talkers. They speak in complete sentences, seldom drop into cliche, give context, possess a good sense of humour and provide the writers and the television types with the coveted quotes they need to build a story. Nikolai Kulemin (Toronto Maple Leafs)
(National Post article by Joe O'Connor) READ MORE |
| 03/21/2010
| Nikolai Kulemin (Toronto Maple Leafs) says he wants to stick around in T.O.
 Nikolai Kulemin (Toronto Maple Leafs) has heard the rumblings, the talk about how he'll be seduced by the money in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League and return to his homeland at the end of the season when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The 23-year-old said that's been the speculation in the Russian newspapers. (Thestar.com article by Paul Hunter) READ MORE |
| 03/15/2010
| Tikhonov returns with something to prove
 RALEIGH, N.C. -- Forward Viktor Tikhonov (Phoenix Coyotes) rejoined the Coyotes today after playing most of this season in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia.
Tikhonov arrived in Raleigh from Moscow late Friday. Members of the Coyotes medical staff gave him a physical examination this morning, which he passed, and he then skated with teammates at the morning skate. He did not play vs. Carolina on Saturday night. (NHL.com article by Dave Vest) READ MORE |
| 03/09/2010
| Dmitry Kugryshev signed by Washington Capitals
 20 years old Dmitry Kugryshev (Washington Capitals) has been signed to an ELC by Washington. The right winger is now playing with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL, where he scored 23 goals and 81 points this year, improving from the 74 points he recorded during the 08/09 season.
The Red Army hockey school product has a WJC U18 gold medal under his belt, as well as a silver and a bronze from the U20 WJC. He has been picked up by the Caps as 58th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. |
| 03/08/2010
| Anton Khudobin (Minnesota Wild) making his way up to the NHL
 Goaltending prospect Anton Khudobin (Minnesota Wild) has been steadily making his way up to the NHL since coming to North America a few years back. Thus far he has been a strong example of a player steadily working up through the system. First, he spent a season in the juniors with WHL's Saskatoon Blades, following with two seasons primarily in the ECHL, getting very limited AHL ice time with the Houston Aeros. This season the young goalie took another step forward, solidifying the starting job in the AHL and even managing a NHL debut a few days back when Wild's backup fell to a hip injury. Khudobin is now back in the AHL, but his impressive progress is worth noting, since a few years back he struggled to earn ice time with HC Metallurg in Russia and was all but written off as a prospect after a shaky performance vs. Canada at the U20 WJC. |
| 03/04/2010
| Russian players moved at NHL trade deadline
The NHL trade deadline came and further Russian players changed team. The first trade, the most important one, has been completed before the Olympics and brought Ilya Kovalchuk (Atlanta Thrashers) from the Atlanta Thrashers to the New Jersey Devils. Kovalchuk's contract will run out in next June. Other two players have been moved on the trade deadline day: Evgeny Artyukhin (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Denis Grebeshkov (Edmonton Oilers). Artyukhin has been traded to the Atlanta Thrashers, while Grebeshkov to the Nashville Predators. Both players scored in their debut game and their contracts will run out in next June too. |
| 02/10/2010
| Ivan Vishnevsky traded to the Atlanta Thrashers
 Ivan Vishnevsky (Dallas Stars) has just been traded to the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange of Finn goalkeeper Kari Lehtonen. This might be a chance for Vishnevsky to get more ice time as he struggled a bit to find some in Dallas. This year he played only five matches in the NHL. |
| 02/06/2010
| Anton Khudobin (Minnesota Wild) plays his first NHL game
Russian goalie Anton Khudobin (Minnesota Wild) played his first NHL game tuesday night, when his Minnesota Wild skated past the Edmonton Oilers 4-2.
Khudobin, 23, has been iced in the game's third period after an injury occoured to Josh Harding. He reflected all the nine shot thrown towards his crease. (RussianHockeyFans.com article by Alessandro Seren Rosso) READ MORE |
| 01/31/2010
| Bodrov gets used to America
 The newest Adirondack Phantom stood by the back doors of the cold Civic Center basement, stripped down to tights and a T-shirt, sweating like he just ran wind sprints on a July afternoon.
He had just finished a torturous 15 minutes under the direction of strength trainer Ryan Podell after practice on Thursday. Podell had put him through devious-looking workout involving the kind of thick ropes you’d see on a sailing ship.
Welcome to America, Denis Bodrov (Philadelphia Flyers). (Poststar.com article by Tim McManus) READ MORE |
| 01/26/2010
| Flyers sign Denis Bodrov (Philadelphia Flyers)
23 years old Denis Bodrov (Philadelphia Flyers) has just been signed by the Flyers to an AHL deal. A chance of scenery might really what the defenseman needs in order to shake his career up after he was released by Atlant Mytischi for bad performances. The talented blue liner has already joined the team and will most likely play his debut game in the next few days. |
| 01/20/2010
| Alexander Pechursky (Pittsburgh Penguins): I played pretty well
 Russian goalie Alexander Pechursky (Pittsburgh Penguins) played his first NHL game on Saturday and he was named 3rd star of the match thanks to his 12 saves in 35 minutes. In an interview with Russian website allhockey.ru he talked about his eventful weekend and his NHL experience. (RussianHockeyFans.com article by Alessandro Seren Rosso) READ MORE |
| 01/17/2010
| Alexander Pechursky (Pittsburgh Penguins) stops 12 shots in NHL debut
Only one month after Alexander Pechursky (Pittsburgh Penguins) was signed by the Tri-City Americans of the WHL he stopped his first NHL shots as the Pens needed to quickly sign a backup goaltender after the injury that plagued their lineup. Pechursky has been iced midway through the second period and stopped 12 shots out of 13, allowing just one goal. "Today Pechursky played fantastically", told head coach Dan Blysma to TSN after the match. As he was signed only to a 1-game tryout contract he's going back to Tri-City where he will keep on playing this season. |
| 12/23/2009
| Syracuse Crunch's Mayorov still looking to fit in
 Solitude can have its advantages. Syracuse Crunch forward Maxim Mayorov (Columbus Blue Jackets) rubbed his hand over his smooth face earlier this week and pointed out one of them.
Mayorov recently cut his hair short and shaved off his dark beard, making him look way younger than his 20 years. In a seemingly unrelated matter, he also broke up with his girlfriend over the summer. The point is, he said, is that now he has no one to answer to on grooming issues.(Syracuse.com article by Lindsay Kramer) READ MORE |
| 12/05/2009
| Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix Coyotes) - A peek behind the mask
Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix Coyotes), 29, started playing hockey when he was two years old in his hometown of Togliatti. He played in the house and out in the streets with a puck and stick his father and godfather made in a local factory. "I always play with older kids," Bryzgalov said. "They usually put me in the net because I was youngest." (AZCentral.com article by Sarah McLellan) READ MORE |
| 11/29/2009
| Andrei Loktionov (Los Angeles Kings) out four months, will miss the WJC
 As we reported earlier, Andrei Loktionov (Los Angeles Kings) unfortunately suffered from an injury during his very first NHL game on November 25th. Today's report didn't bring good news as he will have to sit for four months in order to go through rehab after a surgery needed to repair a torn capsule that will be done soon. |
| 11/26/2009
| Andrei Loktionov (Los Angeles Kings) injured in first NHL game
In the third period of his first NHL game, center Andrei Loktionov (Los Angeles Kings) left the ice after a hit with an upper-body injury report, which has turned out being a dislocated shoulder, not a good injury to deal with. The young center is now sidelined indefinitely by his team, further news should be available in the next few days. |
| 11/24/2009
| THN.com Blog: Major junior ice time a big draw for Russian prospects
 I took in a Barrie Colts-Saginaw Spirit game on the weekend, partly because the two Ontario League teams are both having excellent seasons and partly because two dynamic Russians are helping them do so. For the home-side Colts, the flashy import is Alexander Burmistrov, a draft-eligible center who will also be spotlighted on The Hot List Tuesday. Saginaw came to play with pivot Ivan Telegin, also up for NHL selection this summer. (The Hockey News article by Ryan Kennedy) READ MORE |
| 11/15/2009
| Q&A with Vyacheslav Voinov (Los Angeles Kings)
 Taken by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Chelyabinsk, Russia native Vyacheslav Voinov (Los Angeles Kings) is in his second year in North America, playing for the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL.
An experienced player for his 19 years, Voinov played two full Russian Super League seasons and took part in three World Junior Champioinships. So far this season with Manchester, he has four goals and seven points in 16 games, and is the top-scoring defenseman on the team as well as the youngest. He has not yet gotten an NHL call-up and this is something that the young blueliner isn’t enjoying much, since he left Russia with only one aim –- to play in the NHL. (Hockey's Future article by Alessandro Seren Rosso) READ MORE |
| 11/11/2009
| Grachev Leads Team to Victory
 BRIDGEPORT,CT- Evgeni Grachev (New York Rangers) scored one and set up another as the Hartford Wolf Pack continued their winning ways with their 4th straight win with a 4-1 defeat of their in-state and division rival Bridgeport Sound Tigers Saturday night before a crowd of 5,007 at the Arena at Harbor Yard.
Swiss rookie foward Andres Ambuhl got things going for the Wolf Pack with a perfect feed to a streaking Mathieu Dandenault as the NHL vetern redirected the perfect pass for his first AHL goal at 15:05. (Eurohockey.net article by Gerry Cantlon) READ MORE |
| 11/10/2009
| Russian roulette - Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks) took a huge financial risk when he came to Canada
It is one thing to spend your life chasing a long shot like playing in the NHL. It is quite another thing to gamble a half-million dollars of your own money that you can pull it off.
Welcome to the high-stakes world of 23-year-old Manitoba Moose sniper Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks), who has wagered just such a proposition on his hockey abilities this winter. (Winnipeg Free Press article by Paul Wiecek) READ MORE |
| 11/02/2009
| Alexander Ovechkin looks to IMG for breakthrough deals
An interesting article about Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) signing with IMG management, sponsorship, licensing and marketing agency. While the article states that this was all new to Alexander, he was actually represented by IMG when the management company also had a hockey player agency division that was subsequently sold a few years back. That was before he signed with Don Meehan and left IMG in an alleged bidding war for his representation. Interesting read though. (Washington Business Journal article by Tripp Mickle and Liz Mullen) READ MORE |
| 10/31/2009
| Web Site News: Evgeni Dadonov (Florida Panthers)'s profile updated
 We have updated Evgeni Dadonov (Florida Panthers)'s profile with content in the different sections and new stats. (Link to player's profile) READ MORE |
| 10/29/2009
| Bob Hunter commentary: Filatov is listening, and that's a big step
 The future sometimes shows itself in odd times and places, as if it wants to make sure we're paying attention.
It seemed that way yesterday after Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock engaged forward Nikita Filatov (Columbus Blue Jackets) in an on-ice discussion that lasted at least 10 minutes near the end of the morning skate.
Filatov, the No. 6 overall draft pick in 2008, had been scratched for the home game last night against the Calgary Flames. It wasn't unexpected -- the 19-year-old's minutes had been shrinking since the first game -- but it was clear from the mostly one-sided conversation that Hitchcock wanted to make sure he understood why. (Blue Jackets Extra article by Bob Hunter) READ MORE |
| 10/28/2009
| Dmitry Kulikov (Florida Panthers) Stays
 ust got word from the Panthers that Dmitry Kulikov (Florida Panthers) is going to stay with the team and the first year of his entry level deal will kick in tomorrow when he plays against Ottawa.
Randy Sexton said this afternoon that Kulikov could stay throughout the season -- but if he starts to look like he's regressing, they have no problem sending him back to junior. (On Frozen Pond article by George Richards) READ MORE |
| 10/23/2009
| Nikolai Khabibulin in fine form
The good news for the Edmonton Oilers is Nikolai Khabibulin (Edmonton Oilers) already appears to be in mid-season form. The bad news, with all the rubber the steadfast Russian goaltender has faced, is he's had to be. Fresh from a 39-save performance in a 2-1 win over Vancouver Monday, the Oilers' big free agent signing last summer - Khabibulin inked a four-year deal worth $15 million US - has looked like money in the bank after a so-so pre-season and a tough start to the regular season. (FoxNews.com article by Robin Brownlee of Guelph Mercury) READ MORE |
| 10/13/2009
| Russian rookie turning heads
Andrei Loktionov (Los Angeles Kings) was born in Voskresensk, Russia, a small town 88 kilometers southeast of Moscow. In 19 short years, he has won a silver medal with Russia in the 2008 Under-18 World Championships, been drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the fifth round (123rd overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, signed a three-year contract with the Kings and won the Memorial Cup with the Ontario Hockey League’s Windsor Spitfires.
Granted all of those accomplishments have happened over the last two years, but he’s worked his whole life to play hockey at the highest level, and it’s not too far away. (theahl.com article by Kim Muller) READ MORE |
| 10/08/2009
| The Rangers recall Evgeni Grachev (New York Rangers)
After playing in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Evgeni Grachev (New York Rangers) has got a chance to play in the NHL as the Rangers decided to call him up for today\'s regular season clash against the Washington Capitals. |
| 10/08/2009
| B-Sens' Zubov likely heading back to Russia
 BINGHAMTON -- Ilya Zubov (Ottawa Senators)'s days with the Binghamton Senators appear to be numbered.
One week after making his preseason trade request public, Zubov said he expects Ottawa officials will soon clear the way for him to return to his native Russia to play in the Kontinental Hockey League. (Pressconnects.com article by Michael Sharp) READ MORE |
| 10/06/2009
| Semen Varlamov (Washington Capitals): I still make mistakes
 Semen Varlamov (Washington Capitals) made his 2009-2010 Regular season debut for the Washington Capitals on home ice against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 6:4 win on October 3rd. For the first two periods he was outstanding and allowed just one goal on 25 shots. However, in the third period, when the score was already 6-1 in favor of the Caps, it looked like Washington let their foot off the table, allowing the Leafs to get back into the game with three third period goals. (Washington Capitals Examiner article by Dmitry Chesnokov)
READ MORE |
| 10/04/2009
| No. 18 Andrei Loktionov (Los Angeles Kings) Loks Out The Rats
ALBANY, NY – Number 18, rookie center Andrei Loktionov (Los Angeles Kings) made history as he scored a hat trick and picked up an assist in his professional debut as the Manchester Monarchs extinguished the Albany River Rats, 6-3, in their 2009-10 season debut in front of 6,507 fans at the Times Union Center on Saturday night.
READ MORE |
| 10/03/2009
| Andrei Plekhanov (Columbus Blue Jackets) to Dynamo Moscow?
 The speculation around Andrei Plekhanov (Columbus Blue Jackets) goes on as now the popular Russian magazine Sport Express reports, quoting North American sources, that the 23-years old defenseman has been loaned to Dynamo Moscow after being demoted to the AHL, literally without having the chance to play in the NHL with the Jackets. |
| 10/01/2009
| Speculation: Andrei Plekhanov (Columbus Blue Jackets) back in Russia?
After being sent down from the AHL, defenseman Andrei Plekhanov (Columbus Blue Jackets) might have enough of playing in the minors, bolting back to the more competitive and better paying KHL. The situation isn't clear yet, but a number of media outlets across the ocean report the controversial information that he might be "loaned" to a KHL team. Probably some light will be shed on this case in the next two or three days. |
| 09/30/2009
| Summer interview with Vyacheslav Voinov (Los Angeles Kings)
In this interview Russian defenseman Vyacheslav Voinov (Los Angeles Kings) talked about his 2008-09 season, about his life in America, about the AHL and about his future plans. (Mychel.ru interview by Saur Masharipov translated by Eugene L.) READ MORE |
| 09/29/2009
| Dmitry Kulikov (Florida Panthers) signed to an entry level contract
As expected, Dmitry Kulikov (Florida Panthers) got freed up by his KHL team and signed an Entry Level Contract worth 3 years with Florida. Even if he signed, it doesn't mean he'll make the team straight up as he'll be evaluated in the first nine matches of the season. Once he passed the cut off he might be confirmed or either sent back to his junior team. Now we'll see if he can do it in the NHL on a regular basis. |
| 09/27/2009
| Anton Klementyev (New York Islanders) signed to an entry level contract
 It looks like Anton Klementyev (New York Islanders) has been signed by his NHL team to an entry level deal. The young defenseman, who's struggling getting a spot in Lokomotiv Yaroslavl's lineup, was on the Isles training camp and has skated in some preseason matches. He's expected to start the year in the AHL, for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. |
| 09/23/2009
| Nothing less than a spot with Canucks will do for Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks)
Russian rookie Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks) has been the most dynamic newcomer in camp for the Vancouver Canucks.
The 23-year-old, who had 17 goals and 41 points for CSKA Moscow of Russia’s Continental Hockey League (KHL) last season, had two goals and two assists in two pre-season games with the Canucks before getting sidelined with a knee injury.
Andrey Osadchenko, a Russian hockey writer enrolled in journalism at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, recently sat down with Shirokov for a one-on-one interview. (Vancouver Sun article by Andrei Osadchenko) READ MORE |
| 09/23/2009
| NHL Training Camps: Anton Khudobin (Minnesota Wild), Andrei Plekhanov (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Ilya Zubov (Ottawa Senators) sent to the AHL
NHL training camps keep on rolling and further Russian players have been demoted. Goalkeeper Anton Khudobin (Minnesota Wild) will thus spend his third straight season in North America despite not getting any chance to showcase his talent in the NHL. Last year Khudobin played 17 matches for the Houston Aeros in the AHL. Also Andrei Plekhanov (Columbus Blue Jackets) will play his third North American season in the AHL as he has just been sent down to the Syracuse Crunch. After a good rookie season, Plekhanov suffered from a sophomore slump that limited him to 2 goals in the 08-09 season and thus he has to rebound back this year. Differently from the aforementioned players, Ilya Zubov (Ottawa Senators) did play in the NHL last year (10 games), without impressing too much with only two points. While he has proven himself in the AHL, he needs to further polish his game in order to get more chances in the NHL, where he needs to play in a scoring line to be effective, but is yet to demonstrate that he's good enough for that. |
| 09/22/2009
| Nikita Filatov (Columbus Blue Jackets) Driven to Be an NHL Star
Nikita Filatov (Columbus Blue Jackets), one of the NHL's most dynamic young players, is not going anywhere. He will not be sent to the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate in Syracuse and he will not bolt Ohio to play back home in the Kontinental Hockey League. He will play on one of Columbus' top three lines this season. And any day now he's going to obtain a license to drive in the United States. "I have one in Russia, but last season was so busy and so crazy I never took the time to get my license in the U.S.," the 19-year-old Filatov told FanHouse in a phone conversation over the weekend. "I'm taking care of this before the start of the regular season." (NHL Fanhouse article by Christopher Botta) READ MORE |
| 09/21/2009
| NHL Training camps: Andrei Loktionov (Los Angeles Kings), Vyacheslav Voinov (Los Angeles Kings) and Vyacheslav Trukhno (Edmonton Oilers) assigned to AHL teams
As the NHL training camps go on, the Los Angeles Kings assigned center Andrei Loktionov (Los Angeles Kings) and defenseman Vyacheslav Voinov (Los Angeles Kings) to the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. If Voinov is a returnee as he spent last year already within the team, scoring 23 points in 61 games, Loktionov will be a rookie as he spent the 08-09 season in Windsor, clinching the Memorial Cup champions' title. Vyacheslav Trukhno (Edmonton Oilers) instead has been assigned by the Edmonton Oilers to the Springfield Falcons. It will be his third AHL season. |
| 09/18/2009
| Russian prospect makes impression on, off ice
Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks) sought out a pair of former teammates before leaving a front-line role in his native Russia to start over as a Vancouver Canucks prospect. The advice he received from Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) and Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins), both onetime linemates during a junior career that produced 13 points in 12 games at two world championships, was simple. "Go. Try. You'll be happy and successful," Shirokov said with translation help from the Canucks' amateur Russian scout, Sergei Chibisov. (Globe and Mail article by KEVIN WOODLEY)
READ MORE |
| 09/11/2009
| Ilya Kovalchuk's contract tops Thrashers' to-do list
ATLANTA — Thrashers general manager Don Waddell isn't terribly concerned that training camp starts Sunday and captain Ilya Kovalchuk (Atlanta Thrashers) is entering the last year of his contract. "He's been in Atlanta the last few days and skating with some of our guys," Waddell said Thursday. "Ilya wants to be here for a long time." Considering that Kovalchuk's 296 career goals are most in the NHL since the start of 2001, Waddell can't imagine the captain playing for another team. (By George Henry of Associated Press/USA Today)
READ MORE |
| 09/10/2009
| Alexander Ovechkin: Nobody can say to me, 'You can't play for your country in the Olympic Games
 NEW YORK -- More than four years removed from the Sochi Olympic Games in 2014, the battle lines already have been drawn by one of the NHL's biggest stars regarding NHL participation. Two-time Hart Trophy winner Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) told ESPN.com during an interview here Wednesday that he will risk suspension and play for his country, Russia, regardless of whether the NHL is formally involved or not.
"Nobody can say to me, 'You can't play for your country in the Olympic Games'" Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) said. (ESPN.com article by Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun) READ MORE |
| 09/10/2009
| Irbe on Semen Varlamov (Washington Capitals): He must be ready
There is a lot of talk around Washington about who will be the Washington Capitals' starter in goal come the first game of the season. A few weeks ago Bruce Boudreau told Tarik El-Bashir that "Jose [Theodore] is the No. 1 guy and the other two young men have got to come in and play the way they did last year and try to push him out." I visited the Kettler Iceplex yesterday where Semen Varlamov (Washington Capitals), who is trying to take over as the Capitals' starter told the media: "I know that he's No. 1 and I'm No. 2 right now. What I need to do is play really well and earn that top spot during the preseason games. Bruce told me last year when the season was over that I would have to earn it, and I'm ready for it." (Washington Capitals Examiner article by Dmitry Chesnokov) READ MORE |
| 08/31/2009
| Smyl discusses newcomer Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks)
Lucky number 38. That's what Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks) is hoping to become. As of the end of the 2008-09 season there were 37 Russian-born players competing in the NHL, including the likes of Ilya Kovalchuk (Atlanta Thrashers), Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings), Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins) and Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals). Shirokov is far from a household name like that fab four, but in the eyes of the Vancouver Canucks, he could develop into one. (NHL.com article by Derek Jory) READ MORE |
| 08/29/2009
| Evgeni Grachev (New York Rangers) unlikely to return to juniors
As it was just known, Evgeni Grachev (New York Rangers) didn't report to the Brampton Battalions' training camp as he probably will start the season in the AHL or even straight off in the NHL. After playing a strong rookie season in the OHL, the Brampton Battalions would have welcomed him back for another year, but the Rangers anticipated their plans, making room for the young prospect to start his NA pro career. |
| 08/22/2009
| Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks): a biography
After all the buzz created by the last statements by Mike Gillis, who declared that they are very close to sign a deal with one of their three Russian prospects, a strange situation arisen as Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks) announced that he wanted to leave CSKA, setting up a legal battle, which is now history after the KHL disqualified him for one year, thus freeing him in his way towards the NHL. (exclusive russianprospects.com article by Alessandro Seren Rosso) READ MORE |
| 08/14/2009
| Lightning trade Evgeny Artyukhin (Anaheim Ducks) to Anaheim
TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Lightning finally ran out of patience with hulking winger Evgeny Artyukhin (Anaheim Ducks), whose tantalizing blend of size and speed never translated into production at the NHL level. Artyukhin, 26, was dealt to Anaheim Thursday for 25-year-old left wing Drew Miller and a third-round pick in next year's draft. (The Tampa Tribune article by Ira Kaufman)
READ MORE |
| 08/10/2009
| Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks): I leave for the NHL with a clean conscience
Canuck's newcomer Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks) released some words to Soviet Sports:
I'm leaving for the NHL with a clean conscience, I always dreamed to play in the world's strongest league. There are no resentments with CSKA, before the session I had a talk with head coach Sergei Nemchinov and we understood each other. I will soon leave to take part to Vancouver's development camp. |
| 08/07/2009
| The latest on Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks) and Denis Parshin (Colorado Avalanche)
In another court meeting Denis Parshin (Colorado Avalanche) and Sergei Shirokov (Vancouver Canucks) have been threatened a 1-year disqualification for the two players in case they won’t report to their alma mater club (CSKA Moscow) by 12 AM of August 12th. In July they didn't report to the team's training camp asking for a better contract and now they are linked to their respective NHL clubs. This analysis contains interviews to the two players and their agent. (exclusive russianprospects.com article by Alessandro Seren Rosso) READ MORE |
| 07/24/2009
| Q&A with Evgeni Grachev (New York Rangers) (HF article)
Nineteen-year-old Evgeni Grachev (New York Rangers) skated in last week's New York Rangers development camp after finishing his first year in the OHL with the Brampton Battalion, scoring 80 points in the regular season and adding another 25 in the playoffs. The Battalion's playoff rush was crushed against the Windsor Spitfires, who defeated them 4-1 in the league's finals, where Grachev missed the last two games. In the other three, he collected only one assist, but the whole team has been outplayed by the opposition. In this interview, Grachev spoke about the prospect camp, about his chances with the Rangers this fall, and Team Russia's chances in the next WJC. (Hockey's Future article by Alessandro Seren Rosso)
READ MORE |
| 07/24/2009
| Ovechkin headlines list of top 10 Russian players
No one really knew what to expect when the best Russian players started filtering into the NHL in the late 1980s. Alexander Mogilny provided the first real glimpse of what the fuss was all about when he defected from his native land to join the Buffalo Sabres two decades ago. Scotty Bowman then made headlines in the mid-1990s in Detroit when he rolled out the "Russian Five," consisting of forwards Igor Larionov, Sergei Fedorov and Slava Kozlov (Atlanta Thrashers) and defensemen Vladimir Konstantinov and Slava Fetisov. (NHL.com article by Mike G. Morreale) READ MORE |
| 07/22/2009
| Ilya Kablubov returns to Moscow, to sign with HC Spartak
 Ilya Kablukov (Vancouver Canucks) is likely to return to Moscow, but not to his home team, CSKA. The young forward is about to sign a deal with another Moscow club HC Spartak. This will be a good chance for the young prospect to get additional ice time, since Spartak is known to be a strong place for young player development. Kablukov spent a sub-par season in the KHL with Torpedo, his first away from CSKA. Here he did get more responsibility, though struggled to follow up to his 2006-07 success with CSKA. |
| 07/20/2009
| Enver Lisin traded to the New York Rangers
 Enver Lisin (New York Rangers) has been traded from the Phoenix Coyotes to the New York Rangers in exchange with Finnish forward Lauri Korpikoski. Lisin, who scored 13 goals and 21 points in 48 games with the 'Yotes this season was qualified after his contract expired on June 30th. He threated to leave to Russia (he had an offer from Atlant) if the team wouldn't trade him as he had some conflicts with the Phoenix coaching staff. It's now an important season for the talented forward as he has to prove that he is NHL material. |
| 07/15/2009
| Andrei Nazarov replies to Dadonov's move to Florida.
As we pointed out a couple of days ago, it looks like Evgeni Dadonov (Florida Panthers) signed an entry level deal with the Panthers despite a 2-yrs deal he was reported to sign less than two months ago. His coach in Traktor Andrei Nazarov commented the situation as it follows:
SKA and KHL fought for Joel Kwiatkowski, but all ended well as overseas they recognized his KHL contract. And a couple of days ago we were told that Florida wants to take away Evgeni Dadonov (Florida Panthers), who accordingly with KHL rules got a new 2-years contract. But it looks like Florida isn't worried.
What do you want to do now?
We might go to a law court. Or we could even ask Pavel Bure, who lives in Florida, to be our embassador and help us protecting our interests.
What, from your point of view, can be a realistic compensation for Dadonov?
We don't need a compensation, we need Dadonov. But if we speak about money, I'd say that with the current financial situation in the KHL our clubs, for a second-third rounder should obtain 500.000-1.000.000 dollars. With these money we can buy one or two good players.
Are you sure that Dadonov won't report on July 23rd, when Traktor's camp will start?
Opposite, I hope that in North America and his agent will change their mind. One year ago we let go Vyacheslav Voinov (Los Angeles Kings) who's now stuck in the AHL and stopped progressing. He doesn't understand how it works in America, if your trainer doesn't consider you, you won't get a chance and you'll be out from the team.
What would be your ideal ending?
We are ready to let Dadonov go, but only in 2 years, when his contract will run out. Or also, we can agree on a similar way as Washington with Varlamov, who was signed, but he kept on playing for Lokomotiv. Such an agreement would be good for both sides. |
| 07/13/2009
| Andrei Loktionov and Vyacheslav Voinov (Los Angeles Kings) skated in the Kings' development camp
Defender Vyacheslav Voinov (Los Angeles Kings) and center Andrei Loktionov (Los Angeles Kings) has been invited to the Kings' development camp, that run from July 10th to 12th. Voinov didn't attend the scrimmage because of a light injury. |
| 07/13/2009
| Evgeny Lapenkov and Anton Klementyev (New York Islanders) didn't attend camp
Russian players Evgeny Lapenkov and Anton Klementyev (New York Islanders), invited to the development camp by the Isles, haven't reported as they had visa problems and never been able to show up. No further informations are available on the matter so it's unsure if they will have a later shot with the team. |
| 07/13/2009
| Dadonov on the move?
As reported by North American sources, Evgeni Dadonov (Florida Panthers) might have signed an entry-level contract with the Panthers. But the situation is tricky because not more than two months ago Dadonov signed a two-years deal with his KHL hometown club, Tratkor Chelyabinsk. Although in a first time it looked like it was a done deal, thanks to Nazarov (Dadonov's coach in the KHL) words, now the situation embittered as Nazarov gave another interview in which he declared that he "is not going to release Dadonov in America. I wished him good luck as a player, but as a team's leader I can't release him. I await him in the team's training camp, which starts on July 23. If he won't we'll have to consider sanctions or penalties. When Dadonov finally will decide to leave to North America, we, all together, will solve this problem in accordance with the KHL rules. For now the question remains open." Nazarov also pointed out that the Panthers never announced Dadonov's sign officially. The situation is going to be cleared up probably this week. |
| 07/11/2009
| Alexander Avtsin (Montreal Canadiens) on Ovechkin's track
Considering the situation with the Russian Kontinental Hockey League, NHL teams lately took a more cautious approach towards drafting European players. But in the 4th round the Canadiens have been tempted by Alexander Avtsin (Montreal Canadiens) (Montreal Canadiens).
A fairly sized 6-foot-2 player, Avtsin literally tored up the Russian junior league in the last season. Despite his young age he recorded excellent stats like 56 goals and 54 assists.(rds.ca article by Jonathan Bernier translated by Alessandro Seren Rosso) READ MORE |
| 07/10/2009
| Evgeny Lapenkov and Anton Klementyev (New York Islanders) invited to Development camp
Evgeny Lapenkov and Anton Klementyev (New York Islanders) have been invited to the Isles' rookie camp that will run from July 10th to 15th. If Klementyev was expectable, the surprise comes from Evgeny Lapenkov , who had a very good season this year with Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, being the team's top point and goal scorer. Klementyev will wear #4, while Lapenkov #29. |
| 07/09/2009
| Dmitry Kugryshev and Dmitri Orlov (Washington Capitals) to skate in the Caps' development camp
Two Russian players, Dmitry Kugryshev (Washington Capitals) and Dmitri Orlov (Washington Capitals), have been invited in the 2009 Development Camp, which will run from July 12th to 18th in the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia. It will be an important part of the players' season, especially for Orlov, who recently declared to cross the pound this season itself. |
| 07/07/2009
| Evgeni Dadonov (Florida Panthers) not yet ready
Evgeni Dadonov (Florida Panthers) was drafted in the 3rd round (71st overall) of the 2007 draft by the Florida Panthers and has been a player that a few people have kept an eye on as a future star.
Dadonov was one player I continued to miss while at the Teen Ranch at the Panthers Development Camp so unfortunately I did not have the chance to talk to him.(Letsgoamerks.com article by Keith Wozniak) READ MORE |
| 07/06/2009
| Russia 2009 draft review
The number of Russian players drafted has gone down once again. In 2009 only six players coming out from Russia were picked up in the NHL entry draft (plus Dmitry Kulikov (Florida Panthers) who played in the QMJHL). This is down by three compared to 2008.
In 2008, Russia saw two players drafted in the first round, Nikita Filatov (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Viktor Tikhonov (Phoenix Coyotes). This year the first player out of Russia was Dmitri Orlov (Washington Capitals), whose name was called late in the second round with the 55th selection. (Hockey's Future article by Alessandro Seren Rosso) READ MORE |
| 07/06/2009
| Montreal wants Ovechkin copy
Montreal Canadiens are teased to go for their Russian fourth round pick, Alexander Avtsin (Montreal Canadiens) already for the upcoming season.
At least if you are to believe Trevor Timmins, the club’s Director of Player Recruitment and Development. (Article from swerigehockey.se translated from Swedish by Henrik Lundqvist) READ MORE |
| 07/06/2009
| Yuri Alexandrov (Boston Bruins) to report in the rookies camp
 Bruins' rookie camp will finally feature the highly touted defenseman Yuri Alexandrov (Boston Bruins) as the club invited him to skate with other 23 prospects from the organization. The camp will run from July 7th to July 12th in Wilmington, MA, and will feature both off and on ice workouts. |
| 07/05/2009
| Enver Lisin (Phoenix Coyotes) qualified, won't be an UFA
On July 1st Enver Lisin (Phoenix Coyotes) offered a qualifying offer, thus allowing the Yotes to hold the rights on him. It's still not clear where the forward, who scored 21 points in 48 games, will play in the 2009-10 season. KHL's Atlant Mytischi is reported to have offered him a 2-year deal, but in spite of that most likely he'll continue his career in the NHL. Also Alexander Nikulin (Phoenix Coyotes) got a qualifying offer. Let's remember that the center signed for CSKA Moscow about one month ago. |
| 07/05/2009
| Viktor Tikhonov (Phoenix Coyotes): now I work out 5-6 times a week
Russianprospects.com is glad to host Andrej Cicman's interview with Viktor Tikhonov (Phoenix Coyotes) originally posted on slovak website www.hokejportal.sk. In this talk Viktor talked about his early career, his first North American season and about his eventual appearence with the Russian jersey in the next big international events. (hokejportal.sk interview by Andrej Cicman) READ MORE |
| 07/04/2009
| Post Draft - Alexander Avtsin (Montreal Canadiens) to skate in the development camp
Montreal invited Alexander Avtsin (Montreal Canadiens) to skate in the development camp that will run from July 6th to 12th at the Bell Sports Complex, in Brossard. Alexander will skate with other 39 players. Maxim Trunev (Montreal Canadiens) won't attend the camp. |
| 07/03/2009
| Kazionovs brothers NOT to attend Tampa Bay's camp
Despite what communicated earlier, Denis Kazionov (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Dmitri Kazionov (Tampa Bay Lightning) won't attend Tampa Bay's development camp. Both players are under contract for the 09-10 season, Dmitri with Gagarin Cup champions of Ak Bars Kazan and Denis with Amur Khabarovsk. |
| 07/03/2009
| Dmitri Orlov (Washington Capitals) already to America?
 As reported by the Russian news agency Daily Sport, Dmitri Orlov (Washington Capitals) might move already to North America. He and his agent Mark Gandler will visit Washington in late July to meet the Washington Capitals' staff. These last news match what he declared right after the draft. |
| 07/02/2009
| Post Draft - Igor Bobkov (Anaheim Mighty Ducks) (Anaheim Mighty Ducks): I'm at least three years far from the NHL
 In this allhockey.ru interview Igor Bobkov (Anaheim Mighty Ducks) speaks about the draft, his future, his style of playing and his ambitions towards North America. (Allhockey.ru interview by Andrei Osadchenko, translated by Alessandro Seren Rosso) READ MORE |
| 07/01/2009
| Evgeni Grachev (New York Rangers) to skate in prospects camp
New York Rangers' development camp has started on June 30th and Evgeni Grachev (New York Rangers) is skating with the team. Having him in the roster the next season is a long shot, but surely he raised his stock after his first excellent OHL season. The team's new Russian draftee, Mikhail Pashnin (New York Rangers), won't report for the camp. READ MORE |
| 07/01/2009
| Pavel Valentenko's rights traded to the New York Rangers
In a trade that saw Scott Gomez being traded from New York to Montreal and Chris Higgins the other way around, rights to Pavel Valentenko (New York Rangers) have been involved, even though the young defenseman most likely won't return back to America in the next season as this fall he inked a multy year deal with KHL's Dynamo Moscow. |
| 06/30/2009
| Kazionov brothers invited in Tampa Bay development camp
2010 Tampa's development camp will probably feature Denis Kazionov (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Dmitri Kazionov (Tampa Bay Lightning) as the two forwards have been invited. The camp will run from July 8th to 15th at the St. Pete's Times Forum. |
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