Former midfielder of Spartak, Zenit and the Russian national team Vladimir Bystrov addressed the controversy surrounding Nikita Gusev of SKA. He commented on the situation with candor, noting that public perception can be driven by speculation more than by the realities on the ice. Bystrov stressed that Gusev remains a skilled hockey player, pointing out that an isolated incident should not define his career or his value to the team. He recalled a similar pattern in the past where players from different sports faced stints in the reserve, and he warned against labeling Gusev with a single, simple narrative about alcohol use. In his view, a broader view of a player’s history and contributions is essential for fairness and balance on the record. He added that if Gusev had a known fondness for beer, the consequences would look very different from the situation today, and he emphasized that performance on the ice matters more than rumors about private life. This perspective came through clearly in his remarks, which were shared with the media through Match TV.
Recent reports indicated that Gusev was taken off the main SKA roster amid questions about alcohol use. The club has not offered an official explanation, choosing to stay silent on the specifics of the personnel decision. It was also reported that he would not participate in the upcoming series against CSKA, a development that has drawn considerable attention from fans and analysts alike. Observers are weighing the potential impact of his absence on SKA’s lineup and the team’s chances in the matchups to come. Gusev joined SKA after moving from St. Petersburg, transferring in a high-profile move that raised expectations for his performance in the league. In the current season, the forward has appeared in 50 Continental Hockey League games, recording 28 goals and 33 assists, underscoring a contribution that teams rely on when they need offense and playmaking.
Vladimir Krikunov had previously weighed in on the decision around Gusev, aligning with the view that the organization should act if alcohol-related issues were affecting readiness and discipline. Krikunov’s stance highlighted a broader conversation about accountability, player welfare, and the standards that professional teams maintain to protect both the player and the sport’s integrity. The dialogue around the case reflects the ongoing tension between safeguarding a player’s career and enforcing consistent expectations across a competitive league. Support for the decision, when it comes to how teams handle personal conduct, has varied among former coaches and executives, but the overarching theme remains clear: performance and reliability on the ice are paramount for roster decisions and career longevity. As the season progresses, SKA’s management appears focused on maintaining a stable environment that can maximize results while ensuring players meet the group’s professional expectations. In this context, the Gusev situation catalyzes broader discussions about how clubs navigate personal challenges while preserving competitive integrity and fan trust.