11th year Russian-born defenseman Maxim Goncharov(57) switches up KHL teams for the first time in three seasons.
He was with Salavat Yulaev Ufa but will skate for Spartak Moskva in 2018/2019.
The big 6’4″ 220 lbs. blue liner returned to the league in 2013/2014 after being left unqualified by Arizona Coyotes (5th round, 2007, #123 overall), who had signed him to a 3-year entry level deal but never played in the NHL despite getting recalled.
He’s played 151 AHL games with Portland Pirates and San Antonio Rampage scoring 9 goals and 25 assists.
Never really the biggest scorer, he’s relied upon to provide a punishing presence.
The 28-year old could continue to play in his country’s top league but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him move on as he gets into his final years.