Commentator Philip Maykov, author of his own YouTube channel “HockeyPhil”, talked about the transfer of defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Dallas Stars on the National Hockey League free agent market.
“I’m very happy for Lyubushkin. He actually had a great playoff game in Toronto. And it seems to me that there are very few questions for him from Toronto’s defensive line. And it’s good that he’s going to Dallas to get the biggest money of his career. Of course, it seems a little strange that Tanev castled Lyubushkin in Dallas, but okay, please, in any case, I’m happy for Lyubushkin, he deserved it 100%,” Maykov said.
Lyubushkin started last season with the Anaheim Ducks but was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the deadline after playing 55 games and scoring 4 (0+4) points. He had the same 4 (0+4) points in 19 championship games and 3 (0+3) points in seven playoff games for the Maple Leaves. He signed with the Dallas Stars as a free agent. Lyubushkin signed a two-year contract for $3.25 million.
Four Russian hockey players previously was selected in the first round National Hockey League (NHL) draft.