Former goalkeeper of Ufa Salavat Yulaev Andrey Gavrilov spoke with Legalbet about the current season in the Kontinental Hockey League and highlighted a standout newcomer. He pointed to Magnitogorsk goalkeeper Ilya Nabokov as the season’s most notable discovery in the league. Gavrilov emphasized that Nabokov’s performances have been instrumental in Magnitogorsk advancing to the Gagarin Cup playoffs and pushing deep into the qualification rounds for the league’s premier trophy.
Gavrilov described Nabokov as a player who appeared this year with immediate impact. He noted Nabokov’s agility, strong skating, and quick reflexes as defining traits that set him apart from peers. The former goalkeeper predicted Nabokov could earn rookie of the year recognition, suggesting an award would be a natural milestone given the early-season trajectory and the positive impression left on coaches and fans alike.
Beyond Magnitogorsk, several teams are shaping the playoff picture for the upcoming Gagarin Cup semifinals. Alongside Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and Traktor Chelyabinsk, Metallurg Magnitogorsk and Avtomobilist Ekaterinburg have also emerged as contenders. The schedule for the first matchup of the semifinals has the opening game slated for early April, as teams prepare to clash in a best-of series that promises physical games, tight defensive play, and moments of high-caliber scoring.
In the current season, CSKA Moscow holds the distinction of last season’s Gagarin Cup champions. The club claimed the title in a dramatic seven-game final, completing the franchise’s latest chapter on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its founding. The triumph came after a hard-fought series against Ak Bars Kazan, with the decisive moments sealing the cup victory late in the final. As the season progresses, CSKA and Ak Bars have shifted into new competitive phases, as both clubs have exited the ongoing tournament at earlier stages, leaving the field to other teams to pursue the prestigious trophy. The landscape of the league remains highly competitive, with several franchises aiming to build on recent successes and reestablish themselves as title contenders in the coming years.
There has been recent chatter about Alexander Kerzhakov and the broader topic of player achievements, including discussions about Ovechkin and the historical pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s scoring marks. The conversation reflects the league’s enduring interest in individual milestones and the evolving narratives that define each season, from breakout performances by newcomers to the ongoing legacies of established stars. The dynamic is shaped not only by game results but also by how teams manage development, veteran leadership, and the rotation of key players across injuries and tactical shifts. The result is a season that blends youthful energy with experienced poise, creating compelling stories for fans across the federation and the broader hockey community.