Tractor General Manager Ivan Savin provided an update on Finnish forward Teemu Pulkkinen, confirming that the player remains an active member of the squad and is integrating smoothly into the team’s plans. Pulkkinen is progressing through the preseason training cycle, showing strong fitness form and a steady adaptation to the team routine. He has also completed the medical evaluation, with results indicating excellent health. Savin noted that Pulkkinen, like all the club’s players, is following the schedule laid out by the coaching staff, a plan designed to optimize readiness for the competitive phase ahead. He also praised the conduct of Pulkkinen and his agent, emphasizing the positive relationship and the mutual respect that have characterized their interactions. The manager expressed gratitude for this professionalism, underscoring the team’s focus on unity and disciplined preparation as the season approaches.
The broader context is that several foreign players in the Continental Hockey League have left Russia following the ongoing situation in Ukraine. This shift has altered team rosters and affected the availability of foreign talent for various events, including international championships. In some cases, players who were pursuing chances with their clubs in Russia found themselves unable to participate in major events such as the World Championships held in Finland in May, due to the changing dynamics and travel restrictions associated with the geopolitical situation.
Looking back at Pulkkinen’s recent performance, he contributed in a notable way during the previous season. He appeared in 49 regular-season games for his KHL club, tallying 22 goals and recording 12 assists, a line that highlighted his scoring touch and playmaking ability. In the playoffs, his team advanced to the semi-finals, only to be edged out by Metallurg. Pulkkinen contributed in 10 playoff appearances, adding one goal and two assists to the team’s postseason push. This performance demonstrated his continued value to the squad and his potential to influence important games.
In related news, there has been discussion around personnel decisions in the league, including remarks from former executives and officials who have voiced opinions about player movements in the KHL. One notable figure, Alexander Kozhevnikov, recently urged leagues and teams to consider their recruitment strategies carefully when signing Swedish players, highlighting broader questions about talent pipelines, league balance, and the long-term development of players within the continental circuit. This context helps explain how clubs manage international talent while navigating geopolitical and competitive pressures that shape every season.
Cited analysis indicates that Pulkkinen’s continued involvement with the team is viewed positively by coaches and management, who see him as a contributor capable of elevating the squad’s performance as the campaign unfolds. Such assessments align with the player’s demonstrated skills and his readiness to compete at a high level, reinforcing expectations for his impact in upcoming games.
Citations: Team management communications and season performance records are aggregated from league match reports and public statements from club officials and league observers.