Former NHL goaltender Anton Khudobin has signed with Sokol Krasnoyarsk, a club competing in the All-Russian Hockey League (VHL). The announcement came from the team’s press office and confirms the move to a new chapter in Khudobin’s career, bringing veteran experience to Krasnoyarsk’s squad.
The contract length was not disclosed, leaving room for speculation about the team’s plans and Khudobin’s role for the coming season. The signing underscores Krasnoyarsk’s aim to bolster its goaltending depth as the league continues to mix veteran leadership with younger talent.
Khudobin himself expressed enthusiasm about playing in his hometown arena, highlighting the emotional significance of the move. He noted the joy of returning to Krasnoyarsk, calling the city home and describing the signing as a positive step forward. With the season now underway, he indicated that he is entering the competitive flow prepared to contribute and focus on the present, sharing optimism about his preparation and the team’s trajectory.
In his most recent NHL tenure, Khudobin was traded from the Dallas Stars to the Chicago Blackhawks and appeared in an NHL game for Chicago. His career in North America also includes stints with the Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Anaheim Ducks. His professional path began in Russia with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, and during the lockout season of 2012/13 he appeared in 26 games for Atlant Mytishchi, showcasing a willingness to adapt and perform across leagues and countries.
Khudobin reached the Stanley Cup Final with the Dallas Stars in the 2019/2020 season, where they were defeated by the Tampa Bay Lightning. The experience from that deep playoff run adds a layer of championship pedigree to Krasnoyarsk, which is eager to leverage his calm presence between the pipes and his track record in high-pressure situations.
A separate development in the hockey world saw Alexander Ovechkin, known for his leadership with Washington, taking a step away from Russia. This move is noted here as part of a broader discussion about players making changes in their international careers, underscoring the ongoing global flow of talent across leagues and borders. [Attribution: Club press offices and league announcements]”}