Russian hockey forward Alexey Marchenko has secured a seven million ruble contract with Kazan Ak Bars for the upcoming season. The move, reported by Sports Express, marks a notable step in Marchenko’s professional journey after a season spent largely in free agency. The agreement runs through the end of the 2023/2024 campaign, keeping him tied to Ak Bars for a full seasonal cycle and positioning him to contribute as a veteran presence on the team lineup.
During the last regular season in the Kontinental Hockey League, Marchenko skated for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, adding five assists over 22 appearances. His effort intensified in the playoff phase of the Gagarin Cup, where he tallied three assists in 12 games, demonstrating his ability to influence critical moments on the ice. This performance helped reinforce his reputation as a versatile winger capable of distributing the puck and creating scoring opportunities in high-stakes situations.
Marchenko is well known for his sports apparel associations and on-ice presence with famed clubs such as CSKA Moscow, the Detroit Red Wings, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Across different stages of his career, he has worn the national colors, contributing one goal and four assists in 30 appearances for the Russian national team. His professional arc also includes being selected by Detroit in the seventh round of the 2011 NHL Draft, at pick number 205, a moment that underscored his long standing potential and adaptability to leagues beyond Russia.
Another figure in the scene, Dmitry Voronkov, a Columbus Blue Jackets prospect with ties to Russian hockey, recently commented on prospects and the evolving landscape for players with international experience. The dialogue around Marchenko and Voronkov illustrates how players navigate transitions between leagues, seasons, and national duties as they seek opportunities to maximize impact and longevity in the sport.