Down-the-line.com/Hockey. General director of “Ak Bars” Marat Valiulin commented on the transition to the team of striker Alexander Khovanov. He was previously in the Minnesota Wild system. But the American club set him up for a draft with a rebound.

“We understand that with the current composition of Ak Bars there is no guarantee that Khovanov will get a place there. A few years ago we already encountered such a situation, gave the player a certain carte blanche, spoke with head coach Kvartalnov He gave Khovanov to play in some games, but those chances weren’t used.

The player left for Minnesota, realizing his problems, we were constantly in contact with his representative. And after last season, Alexander himself said: “I want to stay in Russia. To prove my worth, to break into the top of the Major League.”

The player made financial concessions. I took the minimum possible contract in the KHL and in the Major League – half less.

We think Khovanov has potential. Several KHL clubs have approached us with an offer to trade sports rights. But he’s only 22, he showed a good game. If everything changes in Sasha’s head for the better, then he will realize his enormous potential,” the official said. “TV Match”.