Capitals Goalie Sets Sail for the KHL After Ten Years in North America
Alexei Volkov, General Manager of Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL, made an announcement regarding a veteran netminder under contract with the Washington Capitals.
Zach Fucale to Join the KHL
Here's the statement:
He's a skilled goalie who has been considering continuing his career in the KHL for a long time. Here, he wants to find new motivation for himself and raise his level of play.
As soon as he finishes playing for Hershey, and we receive permission from Washington to announce an agreement before July 1, when his contract expires, we will make an official announcement." - Alexei Volkov
Fucale played only in the AHL this season. In 38 games with the Hershey Bears, he had a 21-11-4 record, a 2.54 goals-against average, and a .902 save percentage.
The Bears are currently waiting to know who they'll face in the AHL Finals. Fucale played only one game in the playoffs.
The KHL Gains in Popularity
Leaving North America to go to Russia is an important decision for Fucale. We can explain this move by the development strategies used in the AHL. Often, they prioritize young players over veterans, even if it means weakening the team.
In the KHL, he'll be the number one goaltender and will play a lot.
More and more players choose to move their careers to Russia, as the NHL is only getting faster. Some can't keep up with the pace, and the KHL is a great league to fall back on.
As seen on Markerzone - Washington Capitals Goalie Leaves North America After Ten Years to Sign in the KHL
| POLL | ||
JUIN 5 | 217 ANSWERS Capitals Goalie Sets Sail for the KHL After Ten Years in North America Do you think Fucale will come back in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 24 % |
| No | 165 | 76 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530920.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530913.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
