Vladimir Krikunov, a renowned figure who led the Russian national team and later guided Dynamo Moscow, highlighted Nikita Nesterov of CSKA as possessing one of the finest shots in the Continental Hockey League. Krikunov emphasized that forwards often struggle to keep pace with Nesterov at his best, noting that the defender can act as a shield for the team while also contributing offensively. In Krikunov’s view, Nesterov stands out for both his defensive reliability and his dangerous shooting ability, marking him as a standout option among shooters in the league.
During the 2022/23 campaign, Nesterov participated in 64 regular-season games for CSKA, recording 11 goals and 29 assists. In the postseason, he appeared in 27 games, adding two goals and 17 assists to his total. His performance helped CSKA solidify their status as a top contender in the league, contributing significantly on both ends of the ice.
Last season saw CSKA crowned as the KHL champions. Kazan claimed the Gagarin Cup in a dramatic seventh game against Ak Bars, prevailing 3-2. The Kazan squad featured key contributors such as Anton Slepyshev, Vladislav Kamenev, and Darren Dietz, with Kirill Petrov and Dmitry Voronkov also playing pivotal roles in the title run. The championship underscores the depth and cohesion of the squad, which combined strong defense with efficient scoring across the lineup.
In the same period, Sergei Fedorov’s group ousted Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the Gagarin Cup final, further illustrating the competitive landscape of the league and the high level of talent across franchises. The season showcased a mix of veteran leadership and emerging stars driving strategic play and ενergy on the ice.
There were earlier moves involving notable players such as Czech forward Dmitry Yashkin, whose transfer to Ak Bars drew attention and sparked discussion about how player movements shape team dynamics within the league. These shifts reflect a broader pattern of strategic thinking and talent allocation that defines modern KHL competition, where coaches and management continually balance experience with youth to sustain success across campaigns.