Yesterday, May 1, 2024, the transfer window in the KHL officially opened. Despite the holiday, clubs actively announced transfers, signed contracts with players and formed new coaching staffs. We talk about the most interesting events.
We talk to Alyosha Pilko:
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All about transfers of foreign players. Interview with the main foreign agent in the KHL.
New head coaches at Ak Bars, Siberia, HC Sochi and Kunlun
Coach Anvar Gatiyatulin participated in an entertaining video for Ak Bars. The host of the program asked passers-by what kind of music they listen to. At the end of the video, the 48-year-old specialist responded that Salavat Fatkhutdinov’s song “Min yaratam sine, Tatarstan” (“I love you, Tatarstan” was playing in his headphones — “Championship” note). A clear indication of the imminent signing of a contract. Just a little before the bureaucracy.
Sergei Zubov has been named the new coach of Sochi. The contract with the specialist was signed for two years. Interestingly, Roman Rotenberg’s now former assistant at SKA already worked at Russia’s southernmost club and now there has been a symbolic return. Previously, Sochi left the entire coaching staff of the team, headed by Dmitry Kokorev, who will work as an assistant to Pavel Desyatkov at Vityaz.
In turn, “Siberia” signed a two-year contract with 48-year-old specialist Vadim Epanchintsev, who will take over as head coach of the team. Last season, Epanchintsev worked in the VHL with Ugra. Interestingly, Gatiyatulin, who had a verbal agreement with the Siberians, was supposed to take this place, but they do not reject Ak Bars’ offers.
Anvar Gatiyatulin
Photo: photo.khl.ru
“Kunlun” did not stand aside either. Mikhail Kravets was appointed coach of the Chinese club. A contract was signed with the specialist according to the 1+1 scheme. Recall that Kravets was fired from Avangard right during the playoffs, after which he gave a devastating interview. But, as we see, this did not affect the specialist’s employment. Now the matches between Kunlun and the Hawks will be of greater interest.
How Kravets was fired from Avangard:
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“Some kind of humiliation, distrust.” The cry of the soul of the former Avangard coach
Egor Korshkov moved to Ak Bars
27-year-old striker Egor Korshkov signed a contract with Ak Bars until the end of the 2025/2026 season. A good winger in general who will strengthen the best club in Kazan. A decent deal for both parties.
“I am very happy to be in a club like this, Ak Bars always sets the highest goals. I’m looking forward to getting to the training ground to get to know the team, the atmosphere in the stadium and in the city. I already know many of the members well: Semyon Koshelev, Dima Yudin, Nikita Lyamkin and we spoke with Timur Bilyalov. I know Nikita and I have the same favorite number. I have not yet decided which one I will choose in Kazan, but of course I will not choose 96,” Korshkov said.
Mironov officially in Spartak
Defender Andrei Mironov officially moved to Spartak. The contract with the winner of the Gagarin Cup, silver and bronze medalist of the World Championship with the Russian national team was signed for two seasons, until May 31, 2026. A shock and a real blow for Dynamo fans.
“I would like to thank the Spartak management for the trust they have placed in me. It is an honor for me to perform under the direction of Alexey Yuryevich Zhamnov. I followed Spartak last season, I talked a lot with my friend Dima Vishnevsky, I am happy to be part of the red and white team. A new chapter in my career begins and I will do everything possible to achieve victories with Spartak,” said the red-and-white newcomer.
All the main things about transfers to the KHL:
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Coach appointment day in the KHL! Opening of the transfer window. LIVE
Wei signed a contract with Avangard
Avangard signed a one-year contract with forward Linden Vey. Apparently, the Canadian was hired as a central forward instead of Ryan Spooner, with whom they could not reach a financial agreement in Omsk. It will be interesting to see the Boucher-Wey-Tkachev trio in action. Furthermore, for Linden the KHL is far from being a foreign league. You won’t have to get used to it or adapt, and this hockey player has a lot of experience.
