The Montreal Canadiens traded one Russian player for another on Sunday. by receiving Denis Gurianov in exchange for Evgenii Dadonov. Athletes from this country provided many great moments for Quebec fans, while others played an inconspicuous role.
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Here is a story of Russian attackers who recently wore the CH uniform:
– Evgenii Dadonov (2022 to 2023)
Dadonov’s acquisition last summer cost general manager Kent Hughes little: just Shea Weber’s contract. It took the 33-year-old veteran a while to get going, but his contribution was honest nonetheless. Before he was sent to the Dallas Stars, he had 18 points in 50 games, including just four goals.
– Ilya Kovalchuk (2019 to 2020)
After a five-year hiatus in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Kovalchuk returned to the National League in 2018, spending just two seasons in North America before returning to Russia. Released by the Los Angeles Kings in December 2019, he received a CH contract less than a month later. The left wing temporarily revitalized his career with 13 points in 22 games before picking the Washington Capitals for the playoffs.
– Nikita Scherbak (2016 to 2018)
The Canadian is a team that has never hesitated to approach Russian talent in the repechage, albeit with mixed success. The organization gave Scherbak plenty of time to develop, but the former first-round pick did him little good on the Bettman circuit. The Muscovite native has seven points in 29 games in Montreal and now plays in Slovakia.
– Alexander Radulov (2016 to 2017)
Radulov only played one season in metropolitan Quebec, but what a season! While playing at CSKA Moscow, the former Nashville Predators signed a one-year contract with Marc Bergevin and had 54 regular-season points. He added seven points in six playoff games. Many expected him to sign a long-term contract, but Radulov turned to Dallas instead.
-Alexander Semin (2015 to 2016)
Ben Pelosse / Le Journal de Montreal
In July 2015, six years after recording the last Russian striker, CH tried to double or quit with Alexander Semin. The former Capitals star failed in Montreal and picked up just four points in 15 games before moving to the KHL.
– Alexei Kovalev (2003 to 2009)
Portal/Shaun Best (CANADA)
The dream of many Bleu Blanc Rouge fans in the 2000s, the magic-handed winger provided the spark of attack thanks to his creativity and devastating wrist throw. His 84-point tally in 2007-2008 has not been equaled by any Habs player since.