CSKA sign big, Kempfer and Jurco return

CSKA signs six Russian players from North America, while Kempfer returns to the KHL signing with Traktor. Spartak strengthens up with Will Bitten. KHL.ru presents the best transfers from the last few weeks as the preseason is now starting.Yegor Afanasyev, Ruslan Iskhakov, Nikita Okhotyuk, Denis Guryanov, Dmitry Samorukov, Ivan ProsvetovSign with CSKA MoscowThe Muscovites made a statement in early August signing six Russian players from North America as they will try to return to the Gagarin Cup finals with their new head coach, Ilya Vorobyov. Most of the newly signed players have experience in both the NHL and the KHL, excluding Ivan Prosvetov, who lined up for overseas teams since 2015, and Ruslan Iskhakov, who spent a season each in Finland and Germany before spending two seasons within the New York Islanders system. It’s expected that Guryanov and Okhotyuk will be very busy this season, with Samorukov adding size and experience to the defensive lineup and Afanasyev and Iskhakov adding technique and unpredictability to the team’s offensive plays. CSKA lost some significant players in this offseason, but these signings will most likely be among the best in the offseason.Michael McLeodFrom New Jersey Devils to BarysThe Kazakhs signed another high-profile player from the North American market in Michael McLeod. The forward, 26, had a notable 2023-2024 season with the New Jersey Devils, recording 10 goals and 9 assists in 45 games. His career in the NHL includes 287 regular-season games, where he amassed 29 goals, 56 assists, and 85 points. He was a first-round pick in the 2016 draft. He represented Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the IIHF U18 World Championship, and two World Junior Championships, winning a gold medal in 2018. In the 2022-2023 season, he set a career-high with 26 points in 80 games and scored the game-winning goal in Game 7 of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. Joining Barys, McLeod brings a combination of speed, agility, and defensive prowess. His experience in the NHL and on the international stage will be critical to the team.Steven KampferFrom Tucson Roadrunners to TraktorThe defenseman is back to the KHL after inking a one-year deal with Traktor. Kampfer, 35, had a solid 2023-2024 season with the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL, recording 3 goals and 22 points in 45 games. His extensive North American career includes 231 NHL games, where he tallied 39 points, and 378 AHL games, amassing 170 points. He also represented Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics, serving as an assistant captain and recording 4 points in 4 games. This is not Kampfer’s first stint in the KHL. He previously played for Ak Bars Kazan during the 2021-2022 season, where he recorded 11 goals and 19 assists in 46 games.Nic PetanFrom Hartford Wolf Pack to Ak BarsAfter losing several high-profile players, Ak Bars is back to the transfer market, announcing the signature of Canadian forward Petan. The British Columbia native had an impressive 2023-2024 season, recording 15 goals and 48 points in 59