[sureLoss]

per Haynes, Flames are trying to influence where Chechelev plays next season

https://theathletic.com/2786545/2021...shared_article

So far, the early returns on that prioritization have been good. Chechelev raised eyebrows last season by reeling off 10 consecutive wins to start his MHL season, which is the Russian equivalent of junior.

He then bumped up to the VHL, which would be akin to the AHL in North America, and posted two shutouts in winning his first three games there.

No longer age-eligible to play in the VHL, it is not yet determined where he will play this season. In need of a new contract, negotiations are ongoing between his agent and his Russian team, with the Flames doing their best to wield some influence along the way.

From Calgary’s perspective, a starting gig with a VHL team is preferred over a backup role in the KHL, because as Sigalet pointed out, Russian teams tend to ride their starters. The Flames want him to be playing.

The possibility exists that they loan him to another Russian team or even a team in another European country.

Regardless, Sigalet is in regular communication with Chechelev, sometimes talking with him every other day, and he said he isn’t worried, nor is the player, who remains confident and upbeat.

“He knows he’ll get a spot somewhere. He’s too good not to be playing over there somewhere,” he said.