KHL Saying Ilya Kovalchuk Now Wants To Stay In Russia
In the ongoing saga of Ilya Kovalchuk, an interesting new entry has been spoken by SKA St. Petersburg president Alexander Medvedev. As Slava Malamud reports, the executive says Kovalchuk has “changed his mind” and that he “wants to stay now.” That would be an incredible shift after several months of saying he’s set on returning to the NHL.
As always, news from a club should be taken with a grain of salt as we have still yet to hear from Kovalchuk or his representation on the matter. It is interesting though as there has been recent speculation from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet that the New York Rangers, once thought of as a favorite to land him, may not have much interest. Malamud himself wonders if his interest in staying may be because of the lack of such interest in North America, though it would still be surprising to see him stay in Russia after such public declarations of his intended return.
Either way, it’s clear that the KHL is attempting to keep him there even as they try to bring players like Dmitry Orlov back from their NHL squads. Bringing Kovalchuk home was a big win for the KHL in legitimizing it as an option for players outside of the NHL, and losing him once again would weaken their position as a real competitor. Though they’ve brought back Nikita Tryamkin this spring, they’ve also seen an exodus of many young defensemen and watched one of their top forwards, Vadim Shipachyov head overseas after a long career.
Since it’s expected that Kovalchuk’s camp is after a big-money deal, there is a ton of risk for NHL clubs even on a relatively short-term. There is no guarantee that he’s up to his previous level, in fact his age and relatively poor performance in the playoffs should make many pause before offering anything. The Devils also stand in the way, as they hold the final decision in where the move him to. If they don’t get an asset up to their standards, they could stonewall both sides and force Kovalchuk back to the KHL.
It’s also important to note that should Kovalchuk spend one more year in the KHL, he’ll hit the market next summer as an unrestricted free agent and able to sign anywhere without going through New Jersey. He’d be 35 and because of that would likely have a smaller market due to the restrictions on 35+ contracts, but would at least be able to talk to teams without them having to give up an asset to sign a contract. He’d also get to play in the Olympics, likely a factor of some relevance as he nears the end of his career.
Blue Jackets Notes: Team Building Goals, Gavrikov, Ruopp, Soberg
Refreshingly straightforward Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen was open and honest with Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently when asked about his teams short-term and long-term objectives. The Blue Jackets surprised many this past season with their stellar play, reaching 108 points on the year – a franchise record by a significant margin. Yet, Columbus was easily dispatched by the Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the playoffs. Kekalainen understands that his team must get better if they ever want to reach their first Stanley Cup, but he is not worried. Kekalainen told Friedman that they “are not thinking short-term. Our window is not just open now. We are only cracking the window.” Kekalainen clearly believes that his young, talented team can compete for a long time – even with a difficult Expansion Draft situation looming – without having to worry entirely about just the next couple of seasons.
When discussing what exactly he want to do to improve the team, Kekalainen named a number one center and a “sniper in the key moments” as the biggest needs. He expands on the desire for a “sniper” by stating that the team will look internally and externally for players with greater finish around the net. In 2016-17, Cam Atkinson had a breakout year with a career-best 35 goals, courtesy of a 14.6% shooting percentage. Captain Nick Foligno and rookie Josh Anderson also broke the 14% shooting mark, while others like Alexander Wennberg, Brandon Saad, and Brandon Dubinsky topped the NHL average, generally somewhere around 9%. Yet, other key contributors including every starting defenseman, Boone Jenner, and William Karlsson were not as lucky with their accuracy. Kekalainen hopes to add players who can make up for some of those missed opportunities with a better eye for putting the puck in the back of the net.
One player who has been known as a “sniper” and may also fit the bill as a top center one day is Oliver Bjorkstrand. The 2013 third-round pick was nearly unstoppable as a junior player with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, but has cooled down since turning pro in 2015-16 with just pedestrian AHL numbers. He also has largely moved completely to right wing in that time as well. Yet, last season Bjorkstrand played in 26 games with the Blue Jackets, recording 55 shots and scoring six goals for a 10.9% shooting percentage. He also scored four goals in 12 NHL games in his rookie season. Some more ice time, possibly even some back at center, in 2017-18 could be an internal solution for Columbus’ need for finish. However, in speaking with Friedman, Kekalainen made no mention of Bjorkstrand as the answer to either problem. He also left Wennberg out of the mix for an internal number one center, even though the 22-year-old had an outstanding campaign in exactly that role, recording 13 goals and 46 assists. Wennberg is by no means a “sniper”, but if Kekalainen can separate the two biggest needs of his team, Wennberg certainly has the appearance of a potential top-31 center in the NHL down the road.
The two players tabbed by Kekalainen, the former as possible top center option and the latter as a potential elite NHL finisher, were unsurprisingly 2016 third-overall selection Pierre-Luc Dubois and 2015 third-rounder Keegan Kolesar. Dubois nearly made the Blue Jackets out of camp in 2016-17, but was sent back to junior before he could make his NHL debut. After a somewhat disappointing junior season production-wise, aside from a strong QMJHL postseason run, Dubois appears to have outgrown juniors and should be in Columbus next season. He possesses high-end two-way ability and hockey IQ and has unique strength, both with and without the puck, for his age. While it remains to be seen if Dubois can stick at center in the NHL rather than move to left wing, where many scouts projected him even before he was drafted, Dubois is very likely to make an impact for the Jackets next season and surely could be an option at number one center. Meanwhile, Kolesar may not be ready for the big-time next season, but when he does arrive, the 6’2″, 223-lb. right wing will also bring with him a developed two-way game. However, where Kolesar catches your eye is his finish: he can capitalize around the net and he can strike from afar with a great shot. Kolesar could be that “sniper” that Kekalainen is looking for, but not for a few more years.
Maxim Shalunov Still In Blackhawks’ Future Plans
When negotiations were ended in early April between Maxim Shalunov and the Chicago Blackhawks, it was reported that part of the reason was due to the NHL’s decision not to go to the Olympics. Turns out, according to Scott Powers of The Athletic, that the Blackhawks didn’t push very hard for him this season and are actually fine with him developing in Russia for the time being. Shalunov signed a three-year deal with his KHL club Novosibirsk Sibir before being traded to the powerhouse CSKA Moscow team. Powers writes that the Blackhawks weren’t convinced he’d score right away in the NHL, something that is important for his game. His agent echoed though that Shalunov “100%” expects to come to the NHL after the three year contract expires.
Shalunov was a fourth-round pick of the Blackhawks in 2011, and dominated the Russian junior league before coming to North America for a taste of the minor-league professional ranks in 2013-14. After playing in the AHL and ECHL for a season, he returned to the KHL more well-rounded and has started to use his size and scoring ability more and more. This year the 6’4″ forward scored 19 goals and 37 points in 49 games, leading his club. He’ll be hard pressed to repeat that on the stronger CSKA team, but will also be surrounded by more talent.
The Hawks will retain his rights for the time being and wait for him to come over as a in-his-prime 26-year old ready to contribute to their top-six right away. The big, heavy forward should be ready to take on a big role with the team then, as long as nothing comes between the two sides in the next few years. Whether the Olympic decision had anything to do with it or not, Shalunov will get a chance to compete for a spot at the Games, especially if the NHL punishes any players hoping to go anyway.
KHL Targeting Restricted Free Agents
CSKA Moscow warned that they’d be after some of their Russian stars, attempting to woo them back with dreams of the 2018 Olympics and a chance to compete for their country. It seems they’ve found two targets, as Igor Eronko of Sport-Express reports the KHL club is in contact with Washington Capitals defender Dmitry Orlov, and Philadelphia Flyers forward Roman Lyubimov. Both players are restricted free agents and could leave for their home country should they want to.
News from Russian clubs should be taken with a grain of salt, but this smoke may have a fire attached to it especially in the case of Lyubimov. In April, he side-stepped a question about going home to Russia for a chance to compete in the Olympics, saying it would be a “tough decision”. The Flyers forward did only come over to the NHL this season, and saw less than 10 minutes of ice-time a night in his 47 games. While he wouldn’t be a devastating loss for the Flyers, Orlov’s departure would send shocks through the Capitals system.
Unlike Lyubimov, Orlov has been in North America for several seasons, coming up through the AHL system and only making his presence really felt the past two seasons. The 25-year old puck-mover has turned into an excellent player, able to play almost 20 minutes a night and record 30 points a season. Losing him in the same season as Karl Alzner and the newly acquired Kevin Shattenkirk would hurt the Capitals’ defensive group quite a bit. Orlov also never played for Moscow, and in fact his hometown and former KHL team Novokuznetsk has just been exiled from the league in an attempt to get it more financially stable.
Orlov is in line for a hefty raise should he stay in North America this summer, one that it will actually be quite difficult for the Capitals to afford. With Evgeny Kuznetsov, Andre Burakovsky, Brett Connolly, Nate Schmidt and Philipp Grubauer all hitting restricted free agency as well, the team will have to carefully carve up the cap-space pie to fit them all in. That’s assuming they don’t try to re-sign Alzner, Shattenkirk, T.J. Oshie, or Justin Williams, all of whom are unrestricted free agents this summer.
Harri Sateri Turns Down KHL Offer; Looking For NHL Deal
According to Finnish news outlet Iltalehti, Harri Sateri has turned down an extension with HC Vityaz of the KHL and wants to return to North America for a chance to play in the NHL. Sateri just finished a run at the World Championships in the Finnish net, recording a .916 save percentage.
Unlike many other European goaltenders, Sateri actually has some North American experience to stand on as he looks for an NHL job. The 27-year old was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fourth round of the 2008 draft, and played parts of four seasons in the AHL before heading to Russia. After three very successful seasons for Vityaz, it may be time for the 6’1″ goalie to return.
Sateri represents an interesting option for teams looking for a relatively inexpensive backup, as though he’ll be free to sign with whoever he wants for as much as they offer him, his market is likely not booming. He does though provide some upside, as his .929 save percentage in the KHL the past two seasons has shown. Remember though that the KHL have generally higher save percentages than the NHL, with Sateri actually only ranking 14th among goaltenders who played at least 25 games.
Anton Lander, Magnus Hellberg Sign In KHL
Now that his North American season is over, Anton Lander is heading to the KHL. According to multiple reports including Igor Eronko of Sport-Express, the Edmonton Oilers forward and pending restricted free agent has signed with Ak Bars of the KHL, a team rumored to have an agreement with him since March. Magnus Hellberg, who spent this season with the Hartford Wolfpack and New York Rangers, will also be heading overseas to sign with Kunlun of the KHL according to RSport.
Lander actually spent time with the Oilers as a “Black Ace” during the playoffs, but played just 22 games for the club this season. Most of his time was spent in the AHL where he continued to be a force, scoring 55 points in 42 games. Other than a successful stint in the NHL in 2014-15 when he scored 20 points in 38 games, Lander has never been able to put it together at the top level in North America, instead bouncing back and forth between leagues. As an arbitration-eligible RFA, the Oilers would have needed to give Lander a $1.05MM qualifying offer to retain his rights, though it did not have to be a one-way deal because he cleared waivers this year.
Hellberg, who was actually set to become a Group VI free agent this summer, played in two games for the Rangers this season and actually played just fine, stopping 26 of 28 shots. His numbers in the AHL weren’t so rosy but still good enough for the team to likely want to keep him around. The 6’6″ goaltender has shown plenty of promise through his career thus far, though perhaps not enough to warrant the second-round pick Nashville spent on him in 2011. Just two years ago, the Rangers acquired him for a sixth-rounder and now will watch him head to the KHL. The 26-year old has a chance to return to North America one day if he can find more consistency.
Snapshots: Lee, Updated NHLes, Draft Prospects
Only one member of Canada’s silver medal-winning team at the World Championships was from outside the NHL, and he wants that to change.
Chris Lee has played the last four seasons with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL. He’s also played in the DEL and SHL in the seven years he’s spent overseas. In 2016-17, Lee scored 65 points in 60 games to lead all defensemen in the KHL by 27 points, setting a KHL record. Using Rob Vollman’s NHL equivalencies (more on those later), Lee would have had 66 points in the NHL this season. That would have put him fourth in the NHL behind only Brent Burns, Victor Hedman, and Erik Karlsson. Obviously it’s somewhat unlikely that a 37-year-old rookie would score 66 points, but Lee’s NHLe demonstrates that there is a player there. He drew into the Canadian’s lineup after Tyson Barrie was injured in a hotel room wrestling match with a teammate. Lee had two assists in seven games with Canada.
KHL insider Aivis Kalniņš reported that the 6′, 185 lbs Lee has left Magnitogorsk with hopes of signing in the NHL. One team who could be interested is the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres recently signed Lee’s KHL defensive partner Viktor Antipin and could look to re-unite the pair in North America.
- Back to NHL equivalencies (NHLe), Rob Vollman recently released updated translation factors. The number is essentially an educated estimate of how a player’s stats would translate to the NHL. Here’s a look at the updated numbers. To use Lee as an example, he scored 65 points in 60 games. Sixty-five points in 60 games works out to 88 points in 82 games. But because the KHL is a lesser league than the NHL, you multiply 88 by 0.74.
| KHL | 0.74 |
| SHL | 0.58 |
| AHL | 0.47 |
| Liiga, NLA | 0.43 |
| Hockey East | 0.38 |
| Big 10 | 0.33 |
| CHL | 0.3 to 0.25 |
- Looking back at recent top draft picks since 2010, most are in the 40-point range. There were some notable exceptions in 2015, with Connor McDavid posting a 67-point NHLe. Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and Dylan Strome all had 50-point-plus NHLes.
- Speaking of high draft picks, Corey Pronman released an unusual draft ranking over at ESPN (Insider post). Pronman ranked top picks of the last five years based on his views of them on draft day. This leads to some unusual rankings, like Nico Hischier and Nolan Patrick being ranked above Leon Draisaitl. Pronman’s top five featured McDavid, Patrik Laine, Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, and Eichel. Other oddities include Jesse Puljujärvi being ranked sixth, above players like Aaron Ekblad (9), Mitch Marner (13), and William Nylander (15).
- This draft class tops out at Hischier at 22, Patrick at 24, Gabriel Vilardi at 25, Cody Glass at 28, and Nick Suzuki at 29. The 2017 draft has the fewest players in Pronman’s top 30, while 2014 leads the way with seven.
Sergei Mozyakin Wins Fourth KHL Most Valuable Player Award
The KHL held its yearly awards ceremony today, celebrating the best players of all the Russian leagues. At the top of the heap was Sergei Mozyakin once again, who won his fourth Golden Stick award as the league’s MVP in the last five years. The 36-year old forward is one of the greatest players to never play in the NHL, and had his best season this year with 48 goals and 85 points—both KHL all-time records—in 60 games for Magnitogorsk.
Mozyakin was actually drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets back in 2002, his final year of eligibility, but never signed with the team or even attempted to come to the NHL. The legendary Russian forward has won almost every award in the KHL, six World Championship medals and two Gagarin Cups. His career is one of the greatest unknowns to North American fans, never seeing him but for a four game stint with Val d’Or of the QMJHL when he was 17-years old. He captained the Russian team at the most recent World Championships, though exited the tournament after being slew-footed by Germany’s Patrick Hager.
One of the more interesting notes from the awards was Artyom Manukyan winning the Junior Player of the Year, just a month before he’s once again eligible for the NHL Entry Draft. The tiny forward—who stands at just 5’7″ 139-lbs—set a league record with 105 points this season for Omskie Yastreby of the MHL. Passed over a year ago, Manukyan will turn 19 this June and be eligible once again for selection should anyone want to take a chance on him.
Anna Shokhina was named the MVP of the Russian Women’s League, after she scored 81 points in 36 games. Shokhina is just 19-years old but scored 17 more points than anyone else in the league. The powerful winger is basically unstoppable at her level, as she showed against Team Canada at the World University Games back in 2015. She will return to Tornado Dmitrov next season to see if she can repeat her MVP performance.
KHL Down To 27 Teams For 2017-18
Though it’s not quite the downsize that was rumored last week, the KHL has closed the doors on two franchises for the upcoming season. Both Metallurg Novokuznetsk and Medvescak Zagreb will not operate in the KHL this season. It was already known that Zagreb would be returning to the Austrian Hockey League, after another losing season in which the team struggled financially. Novokuznetsk was one of the teams suggested last week, after going just 14-42-4 and scoring less than 100 goals this season.
Despite recent statements from the league that speak of it’s financial health, there have been reports for months (if not years) that there is a wild discrepancy between the stability of the top teams and bottom-feeders. In November, CBC reported that the new Kunlun Red Star team based in China had been drawing fewer than 1,000 fans to some matches. Though breaking into new territory is always difficult, Zagreb is the latest example of a non-Russian team unable to compete for very long.
Novokuznetsk had been in the league since its inception in 2009, but was the only team with the dubious distinction to have never made the playoffs. Even Kunlun made it in their first season, though just a handful of teams really ever make it deep into the postseason. There have only been five different Gagarin Cup Champions in the league’s nine seasons, with three clubs winning it twice each.
There is also a report from the Associated Press that the league still owes over $17MM to players, some of whom haven’t been paid in up to six months. Apparently most of that debt comes down to seven teams, who are “regularly late with salaries”. While it’s not like the KHL is going to close its doors in the next year, the continued financial struggles of some of it’s lower teams is something to keep an eye on. The league will try to balance the playing field this season by more strictly enforcing their salary cap, something that has been routinely taken advantage of in the past by the big spenders.
Sergei Andronov, Bogdan Kiselevich Receiving NHL Interest
According to Sport-Express reporter Igor Eronko, two more KHL players have received offers from multiple NHL teams. After completing the World Championships in Cologne, Germany, Sergei Andronov received three different offers, while teammate Bogdan Kiselevich received two of his own. Eronko doesn’t list which teams have shown interest at this time, though Darren Dreger of TSN had a similar report a few weeks ago. Both players suited up for the bronze medal-winning Russian squad at the tournament, registering five points each.
While there may be interest from several teams, both players are currently under contract with CSKA Moscow in the KHL. Kiselevich’s deal will expire at the end of next season, while Andronov has recently signed an extension for next season with the club. That doesn’t necessarily prevent them from heading to North America, but they would need to reach a mutual termination of their contract—usually in the form of the player buying out his final year for some amount—in order to play in the NHL.
Both their cases are interesting. Andronov played two seasons in the AHL after being selected in the third round by the St. Louis Blues, while Kiselevich has developed into an excellent two-way defender in recent years. Born in Cherepovets, roughly eight hours north of Moscow, Kiselevich was developed by his hometown team before being poached by the bigger CSKA club. He’s now one of their most important defensemen, skating almost 22 minutes a night for them in the most recent playoffs. Andronov on the other hand is a heart-and-soul player for Moscow, wearing an “A” on his sweater and contributing more defensively than on the score sheet. He registered just 10 points this season but led the forward group in blocked shots (only behind Kiselevich for the team lead) and won more than 59% of his faceoffs.
While you won’t see either of them in the NHL this season, interest will remain in the pair of 27-year olds next summer to be sure. At that point, Kiselevich will be a free agent and likely sought after on the open market. With a chance at the Olympics behind them at that point, perhaps teams will come knocking once again.