KHL's leading scorer Damir Zhafyarov reveals his intentions for next season

There has been quite a bit of talk lately regarding Damir Zhafyarov, the leading scorer in the KHL this year. Zhafyarov, who played for Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo this season and put up 59 points (20 goals, 39 assists) in 55 games, is a free agent. As we reported earlier this week, Zhafyarov has already received offers from the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings for next season, but there was no clear statement from Zhafyarov that he was willing to leave Russia and the KHL behind. However, in a new interview with Sports-Express.ru, Zhafyarov made his intentions very clear.

Sports-express asked Zhafyarov whether he would stay in the KHL next season if he received a big offer from one of the league's teams. The KHL does not like it when star players leave and are known for pressuring big-name players to stay.

"The most important thing is always the question of choice," said Zhafyarov.

"If you look at my transitions during my performance in the KHL (he's played for five different teams since entering the league in 2012), you can understand that I am not ready to sit in one place. I would like to try something new for myself. Therefore, the answer to your question is obvious. I had the desire to try my hand at the NHL and it has not gone anywhere. I think it's worth trying to prove yourself at a higher level. It is perfectly normal when a person strives for something. Let's see what opportunities will appear later and we will start from them."

Zhafyarov, now 26, started playing in the KHL at 19. He is definitely a late bloomer, not breaking the 30 point mark until 2018-19. However, he has steadily improved since then and had his best year this season. It isn't known what, exactly, Chicago or Detroit offered for a contract, but with Zhafyarov's statement that he's ready to make the jump to North America, it's highly likely he will receive more offers. Expect news on Zhafyarov's official destination to come during the summer.

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