In his own words, a Philadelphia Flyers prospect will play for HK Sochi in the KHL next season. No, not that one. 18-year-old goalie Egor Zavragin will take his talents to Russia’s highest level of hockey in 2024.
This was the logical next step for Zavragin after he made a complete mockery of Russia’s minor and junior leagues, respectively, in the last two seasons.
“I think it’s no secret that I will start the season at Sochi. With all due respect to Yugra, this is already an opportunity to play at the KHL level,” Zavragin told MatchTV correspondent Alexander Rogulev. “Sooner or later, from Khanty-Mansiysk, I needed to take a step forward. And if there was such an opportunity now, refusing is stupid. Yes, I could have boiled in the VHL for another year, but for my own development it is better to take a step sooner than later.”
Just over two weeks ago, on May 2, it was confirmed that the Flyers prospect would be leaving Yugra via trade with SKA St. Petersburg, the parent club of fellow Flyers prospect Matvei Michkov. However, as Zavragin told Rogulev, he’ll be beginning his KHL career with Sochi to start.
Zavragin also shared that he nearly ended up joining Avangard Omsk, but that fell through.
“Yes, there was something, but I no longer remember all the details,” Zavragin remarked. “Better to ask the agent.”
At just 18 years old, Zavragin will now have the opportunity to work at becoming a starting goaltender in the KHL for Sochi. Although there is nothing concrete, there is also the possibility the Russian shot-stopper links up with Michkov at Sochi.
Sochi head coach and Hockey Hall of Famer Sergei Zubov is already prepared for the opportunity and has stated that he would gladly accept Michkov on his team should fate decide that. It’s worth noting that Zubov was an assistant coach with SKA, so he already knows Michkov and should be getting some good information on Zavragin, as well.
