Mikael Granlund #64 of the San Jose Sharks is defended by Ilya Lyubushkin #46 of the Dallas Stars (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
On November 1 and 2 in Tampere, Finland, the Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers will play two regular-season games as part of the NHL’s Global Series. Russian defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin will participate in NHL games in Europe for the first time.
"This is my first time in Europe with an NHL team. I’m looking forward to a great experience on the ice and making memories by playing hockey in another country,” Lyubushkin told RG in an interview. “People are interested in this, and I want to show Finnish fans a high level of hockey. Hopefully, we’ll even attract some new fans who will continue to follow hockey after watching us.”
The Dallas Stars first flew to Helsinki, where they stayed for several days. On Wednesday, the team headed to Tampere, where they’ll face the Panthers on Friday and Saturday.
“I’ve been to Finland many times when Jokerit played in the KHL, and I’ve also played here with the national team. I remember some places I’d like to revisit, but time is tight. We have team events every day, mostly practices, dinners, and meetings. On our first day, we went to a Finnish sauna, and our Finnish teammates shared some of their country’s traditions. It was great. We took a dip in the Gulf of Finland, though the water was about 42.8°F—very cold!”
Lyubushkin is a fan of the Russian steam bath, or “banya”, as he considers it the best way to recover. The Russian banya is known for its moist steam, which is typically around 70% humidity, causing the body to sweat intensely.
Lyubushkin recalls having the best experience in Buffalo, where he built his own bathhouse. “A friend of mine who’s a professional in the bathhouse business visited me and said it was one of his best U.S. experiences. When I moved to Anaheim, he connected me with another friend who has a mobile bathhouse. He brought it to me by the ocean—I’d steam, step out, and dive right in. It was incredible! In Buffalo, many teammates enjoyed the bathhouse, but Americans often don’t know much about the Russian style and typically stick to saunas. When I played in Anaheim, Radko Gudas would join me often, and he really enjoyed it.”
Contract with the Dallas Stars and Season Start
The Stars are off to a strong start this season, with 14 points in 9 games and only 2 losses. For Lyubushkin, he’s enjoyed hitting the ground running with his new team.
“When I joined, my teammates and coaches mentioned their approach to always start the season strong, and that’s been the case this year. I wouldn’t say we played our best hockey in every game, but we’re working to get there. The win against Boston (5-2) was a standout; the coaches pointed out it was the kind of game we aim to maintain all season. Some teams start slow and build up, but I believe in starting strong and progressing smoothly rather than jumping from bad to good,” said Lyubushkin.
The 30-year-old defenseman signed a three-year contract with the Stars this summer, the largest of his career, at $3.25 million per annum.
“I had other offers, but I felt Dallas was the right choice. I looked for a team that could win and where I’d enjoy living. I’m really happy with the team, the city, and the state. My family’s happy, too, and that means a lot. We have a strong team, great guys, and supportive coaches. There’s no negativity, which makes practice a pleasure.”
Living in Texas
Lyubushkin finds Dallas comfortable and enjoys the Texas lifestyle.
“People here are very welcoming, and there’s a sizable Russian-speaking community. Everything is close, the climate is good, and gas prices are much lower than in California.”
He’s considered buying a gun, noting that many Texas households have them, but he’s still weighing the responsibility.
“I know that in Texas almost every home has a gun”, Lyubushkin said. "I thought about buying a gun. But there is no answer yet whether it is necessary. After all, a gun is a big responsibility. You should know what to do with it. Texas feels more conservative; people don’t focus much on outside opinions. I see less propaganda of any kind. I liked California’s scenery and weather, but I didn’t agree with some of the cultural tendencies there. Texas is much cheaper overall.”
Working with DeBoer
Pete DeBoer became the Stars’ head coach in June 2022 and has led the team to the Western Conference finals twice. Lyubushkin was quick to praise his new coach’s systems as being a major part of the team’s early-season success.
“DeBoer’s style is more aggressive and fast-paced than other teams I’ve been with. Our team moves quickly in transition, and everyone knows their role. He’s clear in his communication and never overdoes it.”
Lyubushkin believes the Stars are among the strongest teams he’s played for, describing them as balanced and capable of making key plays from any line. He’s been playing alongside 23-year-old Thomas Harley and feels they’re building solid chemistry.
Playing with Mintyukov
In 2023, Lyubushkin was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Anaheim Ducks, where he played alongside rookie Pavel Mintyukov, the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Mintyukov, being a young Russian starting his NHL journey at just 19 years of age, needed someone to help guide him on the ice, and that’s exactly what Lyubushkin did.
Mintyukov has since gone on to become the most important defenseman on the Anaheim Ducks’ blue line.
Second Go With Toronto Maple Leafs
After a less than a year in Anaheim, Lyubushkin returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs in February 2024 prior to the NHL Trade Deadline.
It was his second stint in Toronto, so he felt much more comfortable this go around.
“If I said I didn’t feel any pressure in Toronto, it wouldn’t be true, but it didn’t stop me from playing my game. My wife and I enjoy going out together, and Toronto fans were always respectful of our space.”
Amid all the chaos of the NHL playoffs, Lyubushkin’s family also welcomed their third child.
“It happened during our series with Boston, and the team let me go for the birth. The break actually gave me a burst of energy for the playoffs. When something amazing happens in your personal life, it gives you an extra push.”
Lyubushkin’s two oldest sons play hockey, and he enjoys seeing them develop a love for the sport.
“They’re young, 8 and 6, and for now, I just want them to have fun. Hockey in North America is very expensive, and while they’re still playing locally, the costs will increase as they get older.”
