In an exclusive interview, Moscow Dynamo head coach Alexei Kudashov discussed the reasons for forward Dmitry Rashevsky`s transfer to Avangard.
— Aside from the financial aspect, why did you decide to part ways with Rashevsky?
— It`s not right to say we decided to part ways. We`re always looking to improve, there`s a salary cap, and the `price-quality` factor is important. Dima himself wanted a change and to develop differently, he aimed for a different level. We can`t go over the salary cap, so things are tight for us.
— On a personal level, you worked with him for a long time, and now you`re letting him go at his peak, when he could make a leap.
— Life goes on, and the team changes every year. Players come and go. I talked to him before the Avangard transfer, and he told me he was heading to Winnipeg. Everyone has their own choice. I don`t know where he was really going. He`s an adult with a family, he needs to arrange his life, he made this choice. So, that`s how it is.
— Were you surprised he talked about wanting to get out of his comfort zone?
— I don`t think there was a comfort zone here. When you say something to the press, you need to say it in a way that suits everyone. There was no comfort zone here at all. Sometimes he caught more flak than others, so that might have contributed to his departure. (Smiles.)
Rashevsky played for Dynamo since 2020. In the 2024/25 season, the forward recorded 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists) in 65 KHL regular season games and 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in 16 playoff games.