Bob Hartley has had a busy coaching career. The 64-year-old has coached the Avalanche, Thrashers and Flames in the NHL, but was also seen in Russia with Omsk Avangard a few years ago.
That said, after the 2021-22 season, Hartley announced his retirement. He remained an advisor with Avangard, but was no longer a full-time coach.
Well, all that has just changed, because according to reports from Russia, Hartley has just accepted a new position as head coach. He’ll be taking the helm of Lokomotiv in the KHL.
We’re talking about the defending champions.
Sport-Express, a Russian-based media outlet, shared the information.
A return to Russia for Bob Hartley, who will lead defending KHL champion Lokomotiv.
– Andrew Zadarnowski (@AZadarski) July 4, 2025
Of course, all this comes as a surprise, because we know that the coach didn’t seem to want another job behind the bench. But at the same time, when you get to know the man, it’s not necessarily a surprise to see him accept a new coaching position: after all, Bob Hartley eats hockey.
Lokomotiv is also Alexander Radulov’s team. There had been rumors of a possible retirement for the forward, but in recent weeks we learned that he would play another year with Lokomotiv.
This means that, after Ilya Kovalchuk, Hartley will be managing another former Russian forward for the Habs.
IT’S OFFICIAL
Alexander Radulov remains with Lokomotiv for one more season.pic.twitter.com/OIPSVYNADE
– Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) June 19, 2025
You have to wonder what all this means for Hartley’s various media collaborations in Quebec. We know he’s a regular on RDS and BPM Sports, and we’ll have to see if he retains those positions now that he’s back as head coach.
But for now, let’s wish him the best of luck in his new role. Because when Bob Hartley is behind the bench, all is right with the world of hockey, hehe.
– Christian Fischer announces his retirement at the age of 28.
NEW: Christian Fischer is retiring from the NHL at age 28. Here’s why the former Red Wing, Coyote and Blue Jacket is walking away so young, for @TheAthleticNHL:https://t.co/w9DsWEm73R
– Max Bultman (@m_bultman) July 4, 2025
– Nick Suzuki enjoying his summer.
Sean Durzi with his friend Nick Suzuki in North Carolina pic.twitter.com/lmQgLrzCJa
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) July 4, 2025
– Coming up.
Nick Kypreos: Re Morgan Rielly potentially moving: I would bet the Leafs have had conversations with his representation about possibly moving; the sense that I get is…I wouldn’t say no shot, I’d say, not right now – Real Kyper and Bourne
– NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 4, 2025
– They sorely need it.
It’s about time … https://t.co/crein438Jg
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) July 4, 2025
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