For anyone hoping for a late-career appearance by one of the greatest players to never play in the NHL, it doesn’t look like it will happen. Today, Sergei Mozyakin signed a two-year extension with Metallurg Magnitogorsk likely meaning any possibility—of which there was already very little—the 36-year old would come to North America is gone.
A ninth-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Mozyakin has never shown much interest in the NHL. After spending a few games in the QMJHL as a youngster, he would return to Russia where he has remained ever since. In his final year of draft eligibility, Columbus used the pick just in case, but no team had any indication he would be leaving. That has paid off for him, as he’s become the KHL’s all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, points, game winning goals and shots. He has six World Championship medals, including two gold, and has won the Gagarin Cup twice. Many of those records remain even if you include games played in the top Russian league before the KHL was formed.
Amazingly, Mozyakin has never suited up for the Olympics during his long career. This time will be his first and perhaps final opportunity, where he’ll face off against several teammates including Wojtek Wolski and Chris Lee. Unfortunately for him, it will be under a neutral flag as an Olympic Athlete from Russia.