Anvar Gatiyatulin commented on the possible transfers of Kane and Dadonov to Ak Bars.

      The head coach of the Kazan club preferred not to comment on rumors about the arrival of some players from North America.

      Photo: Dinar Fatykhov

      The head coach of "Ak Bars," Anvar Gatiyatulin, commented on possible transfers to the Kazan club of forwards Evander Kane and Evgeny Dadonov.

      — Last season, I said that there is no point in discussing players we do not have. Negotiations were held with Merkulov and Lettyeri, but what is the point of discussing them? If there are newcomers, then it makes sense to raise this issue, — noted Gatiyatulin.

      In addition, the mentor of the Kazan team evaluated the first week of the "Ak Bars" offseason.

      — How is the first week of preseason preparation going?

      — There are many concerns. Eight people have left — a lot needs to be started anew. One can compare our years to a hockey rink. In the first year, we reached the near blue line, analyzed our performance, and worked on our mistakes. In the second season, we reached the face-off dots in attack, meaning we were just short of crossing the far goal line. We return to our goal line and start from there.

      Dinar Fatykhov / realnoevremya.ru

      — The roster has changed significantly. Can we say that one of the main tasks of the coaching staff is to more actively integrate youth?

      — Of course. Yesterday, a video from the locker room surfaced when we outlined tasks for the guys... The tasks do not go away from us; we need to meet them. Over the past two seasons, I have said that we need to develop not only the youth but also the more experienced guys. Many players have taken on different roles and had some of their best seasons. As we develop our experienced players, we will also develop our youth.

      You understand that important players have left, and from the acquisitions, there is only one newcomer. We will look and give chances. We will attract those who will meet the criteria. The arithmetic is simple: eight hockey players have left, seven of whom played important roles, not only on the ice but also in the locker room.

      — If it’s not a secret, which positions need strengthening?

      — After last season, the task was announced to maintain the roster and strengthen it in specific areas. But we did not succeed in that. Therefore, at a minimum, we need to replace the departed players. We will see. Ideally, every coach wants to have a team ready by the start of training camps; we have the experience of last season. But we have what we have. We are moving forward with the experience gained and leading the team towards our goals, — said Gatiyatulin in a conversation with a correspondent from "Realnoe Vremya."

      Evgeny Romanov

      More news about the event:

      Gatiyatulin spoke about "Ak Bars" transfers: "Negotiations were held with Lettyeri and Merkulov."

      The head coach of "Ak Bars," Anvar Gatiyatulin, reported that the Kazan club held negotiations with forwards Vinny Lettyeri and Georgy Merkulov, but they were unable to sign them. 13:54 05.08.2026 Business Online - Kazan

      Anvar Gatiyatulin commented on possible transfers of Kane and Dadonov to "Ak Bars."

      The head coach of the Kazan club preferred not to comment on rumors about the arrival of some players from North America.

      Photo: 13:52 05.08.2026 Realnoe Vremya - Kazan

      Alexey Byval'tsev: "The Gatiyatulin factor is the key reason for my transfer."

      The newcomer of "Ak Bars" explained what was decisive in his transfer to the Kazan club.

      Photo: Dinar Fatykhov

      Forward of "Ak Bars," Alexey Byval'tsev, explained in a conversation with a correspondent from "Realnoe Vremya," 13:52 05.08.2026 Realnoe Vremya - Kazan

      Byval'tsev and 35-year-old Al'shevsky train with "Ak Bars" at an open practice.

      The combinations of lines in which the players of "Ak Bars" are training at the open practice have become known. 11:23 05.08.2026 Business Online - Kazan

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      The Barnaul volleyball club "University" will open the season with a new director and head coach.

      The club announced structural changes in leadership positions.

      The Barnaul volleyball club "University" is preparing for the next season under the guidance of a new head coach. 14:50 04.08.2026 Altai Truth - Barnaul