Don`t expect any blockbuster signings.
SKA`s newfound emphasis on economic efficiency this offseason is significantly shaping their transfer policy. Former `Army Men` boss Roman Rotenberg had, during the playoffs, managed to secure agreements with Trevor Murphy, Jeremy Roy, and Derek Barac, and was close to deals with Maxim Dzhioshvili, Alexander Radulov, and Zach Fucale. However, a change in leadership at the end of May nullified all these arrangements. Igor Larionov has now taken over as head coach, bringing his own vision for the team`s composition. We will soon see the initial results of these changes.
It comes as no surprise that Igor Larionov Jr. will be joining SKA, having spent the last three years playing under his father at Torpedo. Generally, Larionov Jr. is a competent forward with good ice vision and sufficient skill. However, it`s highly improbable he would have received such extensive playtime without his familial connections. This situation, in all likelihood, impacts his standing within the team, potentially causing an unwitting division in the locker room.
According to Match TV, SKA is interested in signing defenseman Marcus Phillips, who played last season for Torpedo. Following Larionov`s departure from the Nizhny Novgorod club, there was no doubt that this Canadian defenseman wasn`t needed by Torpedo, as he hadn`t shown anything remarkable. However, SKA`s new head coach seems to have found something promising in the former Fehérvár AV19 (Hungarian league) defenseman. Additionally, based on our information, the `Army Men` will attempt to negotiate with Torpedo for the rights to forward Bobby Lynch, a close friend of Larionov Jr.
Igor Larionov Jr. and Igor Larionov Sr.
The situation here is quite straightforward: Larionov isn`t just advocating for his son`s transfer, but also creating a familiar environment for him within the team. On the surface, there`s nothing inherently wrong with this – the coach is accountable for results, and if he trusts these players, then so be it. However, SKA has rapidly transitioned from signing high-profile players like Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tony DeAngelo to acquiring a player from the Hungarian championship. The `Army Men` had accustomed their fans to prestigious signings, but it now appears SKA is becoming a middle-tier team, and it will take time for this reality to sink in.
For economic reasons, SKA also plans to part ways with several high-earning, experienced players, including defensemen Zaitsev, Zemchenok, and Pedan, and forwards Grigorenko, Andronov, and Dedunov. Considering the spring departure of Nikishin, Demidov, Gritsyuk, and Bardakov overseas, the `Army Men` will be significantly weakened. Even potential new acquisitions (should they materialize), such as Savikov or Goldobin, won`t be enough to compensate. It`s highly probable that SKA can now be removed from the list of serious contenders.
Duncan Priestley