Dmitry Simashev (Photo by HC Lokomotiv)
Following Lokomotiv's victory over Traktor in the Gagarin Cup final, several players from both teams now have an opportunity to test themselves in the NHL. This offseason is expected to be especially active for transfers involving promising Russian hockey players moving overseas. RG reviews the potential for key participants of the final series.
Dmitriy Simashev (Utah Mammoth)
20-year-old defenseman Dmitriy Simashev has officially announced his departure from the KHL to join the Utah Mammoth. Having played 21 playoff games, contributing one assist, and earning 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) during the regular season, he occasionally found himself as the team's seventh defenseman. Simashev acknowledged the significance of this season for his career and promised a breakthrough next year.
“This season was special for me. We won the Gagarin Cup, and I learned a lot this year. I'm confident that next season will be a breakthrough. I promise. Now I can say with peace of mind that yes, I'm moving to the NHL,” Simashev declared.
Friendly messages between Simashev and Utah's defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, captured during the final broadcast, hint at their possible future as teammates in the NHL.
RG Prediction: Simashev is expected to head to North America and will likely begin his NHL path in the AHL, working his way into Utah's roster.
Maxim Shabanov (Traktor)
Maxim Shabanov was one of the standout players in the KHL this season. The 24-year-old forward scored 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 21 playoff games and collected 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) in 65 regular-season matches. NHL scouts, particularly from the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vegas Golden Knights, have closely monitored him. Despite making costly mistakes in the final, Shabanov remains a top target for North American clubs. Although Vegas is the most active, Shabanov himself remains undecided:
RG Prediction: As an unrestricted free agent, Shabanov needs to carefully choose his NHL club to fulfill his potential. Vegas seems closest, but securing a top-six spot there would be extremely challenging. Pittsburgh appears a more suitable destination, potentially allowing Shabanov to develop into a new Nikita Kucherov.
Daniil But (Lokomotiv)
20-year-old forward Daniil But, who appeared in 13 playoff games recording one assist, remains uncertain about his future. He earned 28 points (9 goals, 19 assists) in 54 regular-season games but lost consistency towards the end of the season and missed the decisive match. Considering his youth and impressive physique (6'6", 216 lbs), But's potential is clear, yet he has made no final decisions.
RG Prediction: It is likely that But's father, Lokomotiv's coach Anton But, will persuade him to stay in Russia for a couple more years. If he does move to Utah, it will almost certainly be via the AHL.
Maxim Berezkin (Edmonton Oilers)
23-year-old Lokomotiv forward Maxim Berezkin had an outstanding season, earning 14 points (9 goals, 5 assists) in 21 playoff games and 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists) during the regular season. With his KHL contract expiring on May 31, he is already considered NHL-ready, especially given his size (6'4", 212 lbs) and ability to play effectively near the net, complementing stars like McDavid or Draisaitl.
RG Prediction: Berezkin's move to the NHL is highly likely, although no official statements have been made yet.
Vitali Kravtsov (Traktor)
25-year-old Vitali Kravtsov, selected ninth overall by the Rangers in the 2018 NHL Draft, again showed inconsistency during crucial moments this season. After an excellent regular season (58 points in 66 games), he scored only 7 points (6 goals, 1 assist) in 19 playoff games, highlighting the recurring issues that prevented him from solidifying his NHL career previously.
RG Prediction: Kravtsov should not rush into his fourth NHL attempt without first establishing consistent form, although his strong regular season may attract modest offers from NHL teams. However, he is unlikely to secure a top-six position immediately.
Sergey Demidov
