NHL Free Agent Flock to KHL: Former AHL Star Zakhar Bardakov Makes the Switch In a move that continues the trend of NHL players seeking opportunities abroad, Russian forward Zakhar Bardakov has signed with a KHL team, marking the latest example of top talent fleeing North America for the Russian league. Bardakov, a skilled winger who spent time in the American Hockey League, joins a growing list of players who have made the switch in search of better pay and more competitive hockey. As the NHL's salary cap continues to limit player earnings, the allure of the KHL's higher salaries and prestige has become increasingly enticing for many players, raising questions about the long-term implications for the league. With Bardakov's signing, fans can expect to see more of the same trend in the coming months.