Denis Gurianov signs two-year deal with KHL’s CSKA

On a day with multiple NHL draft picks signing in Russia’s KHL, another name has been added to the list.

After eight seasons in both the NHL and AHL, forward Denis Gurianov signed a two-year contract with Moscow’s CSKA.

Last season, Gurianov played 18 regular-season games with the Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers, scoring one goal and one assist. He also appeared in 27 regular-season games with the Predators’ AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, scoring 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points.

The last two NHL seasons had been difficult for Gurianov, playing for four clubs but failing to solidify a full-time role with any of the teams. In 2022-23, he scored twice and had nine points in 43 games with the Dallas Stars, then managed eight points in 23 games with the Montreal Canadiens.

Taken by the Stars No. 12 overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Gurianov spent several seasons developing in the KHL with Tolyatti Lada and their junior development team before moving to North America.

Playing three full seasons with the Texas Stars of the AHL, Gurianov scored 51 goals and 58 assists for 109 points in 188 regular-season games. He helped the club reach the Calder Cup Final in 2017-18, losing to the Toronto Marlies.

After being called up to play full time, Gurianov carved out a roll for himself in the Stars organization as a reliable depth forward, including a 20-goal season in 2019-20. He was an integral part of the Stars’ 2020 Stanley Cup Playoff run, scoring nine goals and eight assists for 17 points in 27 games.

Internationally, he represented Russia at the 2017 World Junior Championships, scoring four goals and three assists for seven points in seven games, helping them earn a bronze medal.