Driver separates from aggressive associates Mercly and Kuznetsov.
In a significant shake-up for the Ekaterinburg hockey club Avtomobilist, forwards Nick Merkley and Vladimir Kuznetsov have mutually terminated their contracts with the club. Both players are set to be officially presented with their new teams in the near future.
Merkley, who joined Avtomobilist last year, made an impact in his debut season with the Ural club, playing 66 KHL games and scoring 22 points (12 goals and 10 assists). Kuznetsov, on the other hand, has been a part of the club since the 2017/18 season and has played 154 games, scoring a total of 43 points (14 goals and 29 assists).
The departures of Merkley and Kuznetsov have created new opportunities for strengthening the team in the attacking line. The club management is currently considering several candidates to fill these vacant spots.
While the specific names of the new signings or promoted players have not been officially announced, there are rumours swirling around. Nick Merkley himself is rumoured to be joining Kunlun Red Star, implying that Avtomobilist needs to find a replacement for him.
Emerging talents from Avtomobilist's development system could be potential internal candidates. Nikita Ishimnikov, a promising player who has appeared for Avtomobilist's MHL (junior) team and was recently drafted, is one such prospect.
Meanwhile, outside recruits could also be pursued if the club decides to go down the transfer route. Without official club announcements or reliable insider reports, it is not possible to definitively name the new signings or promoted players slated to replace Merkley and Kuznetsov at this time.
As for Kuznetsov, he has signed a contract with "Neftkhimik". Dinar Khafizullin has also joined "Neftkhimik".
In other news, Charles Robinson has left Chelyabinsk "Traktor". Mikhail Varnakov is the new head coach of "Barys".
Avtomobilist has started active preparations for the upcoming championship, which is set to start on September 5. Last season, the club finished their playoff run in the first round of the KHL, losing in a tense seven-game series to the Kazan "Ak Bars" (3-4). The club is now working on forming the optimal lineup to ensure a stronger performance in the upcoming season.
As the new season approaches, fans and supporters of Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg can look forward to exciting changes and the emergence of new talent on the ice.
[1] Source: [Unnamed source] (Date unknown) [2] Source: [MHL draft results] (Date unknown)
Bookmakers across sports markets are now considering the potential impact of Nick Merkley's rumored move to Kunlun Red Star, and the vacancy left by his departure at Avtomobilist in the NHL. The club's management is also evaluating various candidates to fill Merkley's spot on the attacking line, as they work to strengthen the team for the upcoming hockey season.
