In Russian hockey there are almost no cases when a player spent his entire career in a club. Long-term contracts are not drawn up in the KHL, and a four-year agreement is already considered long, almost eternal. The figure of Sergei Andronov stood apart for a long time. 11 seasons in CSKA, eight in a row, 568 matches and 78 goals for the army club, Kharlamov Cup and two Gagarin Cups.

For many years, Andronov was considered the most powerful force in Russia. These role players, who are still important people in the dressing room, are worth their weight in gold. It seems that Sergei would always play in CSKA. It turned out to be CSKA. True, they thought of Ivan Telegin and went to the Avant-garde. All stories end. Immediately after the end of the season, they began to talk about the serious interest of Lokomotiv in Andronov. On May 24, a two-year deal for the striker was announced with the Yaroslavl club. Despite the player’s long and good relationship with the army club, his transition came as little surprise.

Last summer, CSKA changed its coach. Sergei Fedorov did not find an immediate approach to the team, which was actually formed before his arrival. At the beginning of the season, Muscovites had problems with both the result and the game. Winning the Gagarin Cup was a surprise. Before the start of the season, very few bets are placed on the army team. But even after winning there was no impression of an ideal situation in the team. “No comment” when answering an innocent question about what the genius of Fedorov is, how he got the trophy on the first try, the captain of CSKA. And at the next question about Popov, Sergei blossomed directly. It is not clear whether the black cat ran between the coach and the player, but there were no warm hugs and kind words between them in the champion locker room. Perhaps the relationship with Fedorov became one of the reasons for Andronov’s departure.

Igor Nikitin called him to Lokomotiv, where they won the first trophy and studied successfully. They say they have an almost caring, perfect relationship. Under Nikitin, Andronov played stably. In Yaroslavl, he will be a key figure in the dressing room, a trophy fighter and in the center of the third or fourth trio. Sergei could be the one to help advance the youth of Yaroslavl, which clearly lacks a team leader. Nikitin, on the other hand, can easily trust the newcomer, understanding that he will not disappoint her. An excellent deal if not for the quantity.

According to Metaratings, Andronov’s salary at Lokomotiv will be 65 million rubles per season. In addition, the player’s contract provides for an individual bonus of 20% of the salary. For a power hockey player who turned 33 in July, that’s a lot. And it makes sense that in the conditions of a heavy salary ceiling, Igor Esmantovich would not repeat the offer of the Yaroslavl team and in no way try to leave the striker. CSKA has yet to beat Nikita Nesterov, who is rightfully considered one of the strongest Russian defenders playing in his homeland. To persuade Guryanov and Mamin to return, it is necessary to conclude contracts with Plotnikov, Svetlakov, Kamenev. And the army club did not give up on the idea of ​​inviting legionnaires. Unlike Lokomotiv.

They have made it clear that in Yaroslavl they will only trust Russian players. Given the sufficient number of young students on small contracts, the club has enough space under the ceiling. But was it worth spending so much on Andronov? The question is controversial. The positive qualities of the striker were mentioned above. However, you must remember the player’s age and medical record. Health problems periodically plague Sergey, which is not surprising, since he plays strength and hard hockey. Good in the minority, he can corner his opponent and set the pace of the game. At least he was good at that before. It is no coincidence that in the team of Andronov, together with Telegin, they usually start the game first. It was three or four years ago. Since then, Sergey has lost in speed and movement. And it will continue to lose because age and health cannot be deceived. These are not Zaripov or Popov who put others on the ice and therefore can play at a high level after 40.

A major two-year contract with Andronov is a risk for Lokomotiv. However, the club does not seem to have much choice as there is a shortage of supply in the market. The experience of CSKA and Sergey, who won two Gagarin Cups in three years before the eyes of Yaroslavl, played an important role in this. Going the way of the army can be a way out, the main thing is that time does not work against the “rail”.

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