Yaroslavl`s Lokomotiv hockey club has been on an intensive month-long search for a new head coach following the unexpected departure of Igor Nikitin. Fresh off a triumphant Gagarin Cup victory, the club likely didn`t anticipate needing to replace their mentor so soon. Despite a two-year contract still in effect, Nikitin moved to CSKA. Instead of dwelling on the setback, Lokomotiv has focused on finding a worthy successor, meticulously evaluating all potential candidates. An official appointment is expected before pre-season training commences.
Leading Candidates Emerge
According to reports, the primary candidate for the vacant position is Patrick Fischer, the current head coach of the Swiss national team. While his appointment might seem improbable at first glance, the possibility of his arrival is quite real. The former SKA forward has substantial financial demands, requesting an annual contract worth approximately 100 million rubles (about $1.1 million USD).
Patrick Fischer, a key contender for Lokomotiv`s coaching role.
However, Lokomotiv`s management is reportedly more concerned with Fischer`s lack of KHL experience and his decade-long focus on national team coaching rather than club management. The Swiss coach is accustomed to a different training regimen and pace of life; the demanding 68-game KHL marathon could prove challenging even for seasoned Russian specialists, let alone a European coach.
North American and KHL Prospects
Yaroslavl is also exploring the North American market. There was consideration for Bob Hartley`s return to the KHL, but his demands were excessive. Experienced Canadian specialist Dave Tippett, who has been out of coaching for over three years since his dismissal from Edmonton, is also on the short-list. As of now, detailed negotiations with other North American candidates have not yet taken place.
Among KHL-based candidates are David Nemirovsky and Sergei Zubov. Zubov, despite a less successful season with Sochi, maintains a strong reputation among players, garnering mostly positive reviews. However, Lokomotiv appears to lean towards more accomplished coaches. Nemirovsky`s candidacy seems quite unexpected and he is reportedly not a primary contender for the Yaroslavl role.
Roman Rotenberg, a figure of significant intrigue in the coaching search.
The Rotenberg Factor
The biggest intrigue surrounding Lokomotiv currently is the potential arrival of Roman Rotenberg in Yaroslavl. Should this appointment materialize, the decision would likely not come from the current club president, Yuri Yakovlev, who might then depart his role. In such a scenario, Rotenberg would wield similar influence to what he held at SKA. However, the probability of such a sensational return for one of the KHL`s most high-profile figures remains low for now.
A Strong Legacy, A High-Stakes Decision
Regardless of who takes the helm at Lokomotiv, the new coach will inherit an excellent foundation. All key players, with the exception of Slovak defenseman Gernat, have remained in Yaroslavl. Defenders Bereglazov, Rafikov, Cherepanov, and forwards Radulov, Fraz, Nikulin, Alekseev, Surin have all extended their contracts. Lokomotiv possesses every chance to establish itself as a true dynasty in the KHL, poised to win multiple cups. Yet, the risk of making the wrong coaching choice and squandering this potential is considerable. Igor Nikitin meticulously built this team over a long period, training them precisely to his requirements. If it took Nikitin, one of the league`s top coaches, nearly four seasons to achieve victory, what can be expected from others?
Duncan Priestley