The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) should be expanded to include several more clubs, this will help players find jobs and contribute to the development of the sport in the country, the Barys forward told . Damir Zhafiarov.
Zhafyarov joined Barys in the offseason as a free agent, signing a one-year contract.
— Why did you choose Barys on the market?
– I don’t know any choices. This year was the most unusual off-season. Unfortunately, many guys are still without contracts. I don’t know what it’s related to. Some age changes, among foreign players. It’s a bit strange, to be honest. Previously, older players were treated differently.
– Yes, how old are you?
– Well, yes, only 30 years old. Previously, veterans added experience. Now they simply do not get contracts. Although we skated at training camp this summer, I saw how good the guys were. I received an offer from Barys. I realized that good is not sought in good. We talked to everyone and decided that it would be better to compete in Astana this season.
— I think that increasing the maximum number of foreign players from three to five per club has led to the fact that Russians simply do not have enough jobs in the KHL. Our league should accept several more clubs.
– Yes, that’s right. 23 clubs for the KHL are not enough. We communicate with the guys and also see this trend. You always want to see a few more teams in the league. For example, Novokuznetsk “Metallurg”, where I started my career, where many great hockey players come from. It’s a beautiful city there, they made some renovations to the arena. I would like to come there and see those who supported us at that time.
Let’s bring Ugra from Khanty-Mansiysk. Or Krasnoyarsk is a big city and Sokol is a good option. I would like to have one more team in big cities. For example, the second club could be in Minsk and, of course, in St. Petersburg.
— Moscow is oversaturated.
— But it is possible to revive Krylia Sovetov by admitting them to the KHL. This is a great popularization of our sport, there will be more jobs. The more teams there are, the greater the interest in hockey in our country, “Zhafyarov told .
The new season of the FONBET KHL Championship starts on September 3.
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