Blues Prospect Andronov Traded in KHL Deal

Reports have surfaced that Blues Prospect and 2009 3rd Round Pick Sergi Andronov has been traded from Lada Togliatti to CSKA Moscow.

An article detailing the deal with quotes from Andronov can be found here.

CSKA Moscow is also where the Columbus Blue Jackets loaned 2008, 5th overall draft selection Nikita Filatov. Andronov will be playing for former NHL player and Stanley Cup winner Sergei Nemchinov. Nemchinov also coached him in the 2009 World Junior Championships to a Silver Medal. Hopefully, the Blues prospect will continue his development under capable and experienced hands.

Blues Impact:
This really doesn’t change his position with the Blues. The Blues will continue to own his NHL contract rights. Since there is no formal agreement between the NHL and KHL, Andronov is still able to sign a contract to stay in Russia with no reimbursement to the Blues.

There are signs that the KHL is facing difficult economic conditions. The financial troubles with Lada leading to Andronov’s trade would seem to say that belief holds some water. In the linked article above Andronov states at times players went without pay for three months.

If Sergei is ready for a steady paycheck, the Blues have an AHL team in Peoria, Illinois that he could fit in to.