Gleb Pugachyov expected to start season in MHL

Montreal Canadiens first-round draft pick Gleb Pugachyov is expected to begin the season in the MHL rather than the KHL. Despite participating in Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod’s official team photo session, the forward was not included in the roster for the club’s opening four-game road trip.

Reports indicate that Pugachyov will likely start the season with Chaika, the junior affiliate of Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. This development follows a season where the 6-foot-3 forward recorded only two goals and one assist in 13 KHL appearances. His absence from the main roster comes as the club prioritizes immediate competitive results, a common practice in the KHL that often differs from North American developmental models.