Connor Hasley

It turns out that Oilers prospect Maxim Berezkin won’t be coming to North America for next season after all.  Instead, the KHL announced that the 24-year-old has signed a two-year extension with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.  A fifth-round pick back in 2020, Berezkin had a breakout year in 2024-25 when he posted 15 goals and 27 assists in 66 games, leading to the belief that he could come over and potentially contribute in a bottom-six role in Edmonton.  Things didn’t go as well this season, however, as his output dropped to seven goals and 25 helpers in 64 contests.  Edmonton will continue to hold Berezkin’s rights but at this point, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll make the jump to North America down the road.

Other minor moves with an NHL connection:

• Wild forward prospect Matvei Guskov has inked a one-year extension with HK Sochi, per a KHL announcement. The 25-year-old was a fifth-round pick in 2019 and played his junior hockey with OHL London but returned home one year later.  Guskov had his best showing by far this season, collecting 32 points in 50 games but won’t be coming back to North America at this time.  With no transfer agreement in place between the NHL and Russia’s federation, Minnesota will continue to hold Guskov’s rights.
• The Sharks have added some minor-league depth. Their AHL affiliate announced that they’ve signed goaltender Connor Hasley to a one-year deal.  The 25-year-old wrapped up his college career with Arizona State, posting a 3.12 GAA and a .907 SV% in 24 games.  He then joined ECHL Wichita for four contests to wrap up the season.  San Jose liked what they saw in those outings and will now keep Hasley around for a full year.