Two Canadian players returning to the KHL: 'We are not afraid'

Two Canadian hockey players who participated in the KHL last season have posted a photo indicating they plan to return to the league and are "not afraid". The photo and caption were posted on the Instagram account of Aljosa Pilko, who is the agent for both Brendan Leipsic and Philippe Maillet. Both have played in the NHL for the Washington Capitals (Maillet got just two games), and both were teammates with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in 2021-22, making it all the way to the Gagarin Cup Final and game seven before losing to CSKA Moscow. Here is the photo. The caption translates to "We are not afraid. And we're coming back."

Maillet signed in the KHL after spending four years in the Washington Capitals system and being stuck in the minors. His first full season in the KHL proved to be successful as he recorded 39 points (15G, 24A) in 49 regular season games, and another 21 points (8G, 13A) in 23 playoff games.

Leipsic managed 187 games in the NHL with four different teams, but was ditched by the Capitals following an incident where private Instagram chats were released publicly. Those chats contained derogatory comments about players and their significant others. He's been with Magnitogorsk the past two seasons and also had a very good showing in the KHL playoffs (11G, 9A, 23GP).

There had been some speculation that most outside of Russia would choose not to play in the KHL for at least as long as the current situation with Ukraine lasts, given the potential security issues it raises. However, it seems it is mostly European players from Sweden, Finland and other countries much closer to Russia that are choosing to play at home. There will be others from Canada and the US that play in Russia in 2022-23.

MUST READ

20 minutes ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

2 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

3 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

4 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery 800-Game NHL Veteran Nick Bonino Signs an Unexpected New Professional Contract

6 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Jordan Reaves Calls Out Darnell Nurse After He Plays the Victim Following Hit From Brother Ryan

19 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Two Maple Leafs Reporters Have Tense Altercation on Mitch Marner's Market Value

21 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Nashville Predators Practice Takes a Nasty Turn as Players Fight On the Ice Due to Mounting Frustration

22 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks John Gibson Reportedly Willing to Waive No-Trade Clause for One Specific Team

MORE STORIES