Tag: KHL

NHL Free Agent Ryan Merkley Signs 1-Year Contract With HC Kunlun Red Star of the KHL

On By CanucksBanterIn HC Kunlun Red StarLeave a comment

By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter

August 18, 2023

HC Kunlun Red Star of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) has agreed to terms on a 1-year contract with Canadian defenceman Ryan Merkley on August 18, 2023.

The Oakville, Ontario 6’0″, 185 lbs native most recently played for the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL) as part of the NHL Colorado Avalanche organization, and was a free-agent when signed by Red Star.

Merkley was drafted in the first round, 21st overall, by the San Jose Sharks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Merkley won gold at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup with HockeyCanada.

History

San Jose Sharks (2018–2023)

  • On June 22, 2018, he was selected with the 21st pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Sharks on July 18, 2018.
  • Prior to the 2018–19 season, he was reassigned to Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League.
  • Following the conclusion of his junior season in 2018–19, the Sharks assigned Merkley to their American Hockey League affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. Merkley played in his first career AHL game on April 12, 2019 against the Colorado Eagles, and had two shots on goal in a 3–1 win. Merkley appeared in two regular season games, earning no points.
  • In the following 2021–22 season, Merkley made his NHL debut for the Sharks on October 30, 2021, in a 2–1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Three days later, Merkley scored his first goal in a 5–3 victory against the Buffalo Sabres. In splitting the season between the Sharks and Barracuda, Merkley contributed with 1 goal and 6 points through 39 games from the blueline for the Sharks.
  • Approaching the 2022–23 season, Merkley was unable to make the Sharks opening roster. He was assigned to continue his development in the AHL with the Barracuda.
  • Merkley added 14 assists through 30 games with the San Jose Barracuda before remaining a healthy scratch after requesting a trade away from the Sharks organization on January 1, 2023.

Colorado Avalanche

  • Merkley’s trade request was accommodated when he was dealt, along with Matt Nieto, to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for fellow 2018 first-round pick Martin Kaut and defenceman Jacob MacDonald on January 25, 2023. He was immediately reassigned by the Avalanche to their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.

Source: Wikipedia, https://hcredstar.com

IIHF Sanctions Finnish Born Russian KHL League Goalie Ivan Fedotov and CSKA Hockey Club of the KHL

On By CanucksBanterIn International ice hockey federationLeave a comment

By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter

August 14, 2023

The International Ice Hockey Federation today announced it has finished its review of the contracts entered into by Ivan Fedotov with, the NHL Philadelphia Flyers and the CSKA Hockey Club of the KHL, to determine if a breach of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations had occurred.

Based on the evidence provided to the IIHF by those involved, the IIHF determined:

That Ivan Fedotov has a valid NHL contract with the Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club for the 2023/2024 season.

Accordingly, the IIHF has determined that Ivan Fedotov was in breach of a Professional Player Contract per Article II.4.1 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations when he signed a contract with CSKA hockey club for the 2023/2024 season.

In accordance with Article II.4.1 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations, Ivan Fedotov was given two (2) weeks to either go back to his former club (i.e Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club); or obtain a release from his former club.

As neither action occurred within the given period, the IIHF has imposed the following sporting sanctions on Ivan Fedotov:

– A four (4) month suspension on playing in official national and international games during playing periods. The suspension shall take effect on 1 September 2023 (first CSKA regular season game) and conclude on 31 December 2023.

In accordance with the Article II.4.2 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations, it shall be presumed, unless established to the contrary, that any club signing a Player who has breached his Professional Player Contract has induced that Player to commit a breach.

Therefore, as CSKA Hockey Club was aware of the Player’s NHL Contract and did not establish to the IIHF that it has not induced the Player to commit a breach of his Professional Player Contract, the IIHF has imposed the following sporting sanctions on CSKA Hockey Club:

– A one (1) season ban on International Transfers taking effect on 11 August 2023 and concluding on 10 August 2024.

IIHF Press Release

The response by the Kontinental Hockey League was swift and brief:

As for CSKA, their response was swift and defiant expressing disagreement with the decision, considering it biased and will challenge it.

IIHF International Transfer Regulations

  • The goal of the International Transfer Regulations with the International Transfer Cards (ITC) is to maintain the worldwide good order of the sport and to protect club teams and players alike.
  • The IIHF player transfer program using ITCs is a service to member national associations and performs a key role in the IIHF player eligibility responsibilities for participation in IIHF Championships or Olympic Winter Games competitions.
  • Last updated: October 2022

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Source: IIHF, CSKA, KHL, Hockey News Hub