Gleb Pugachyov is (already) back in the KHL

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Gleb Pugachyov is (already) back in the KHL

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Aug 22, 2026 7:18 PM ET

In the most recent draft, the Habs selected Gleb Pugachyov in the first round. The kid, who will spend the next year in Russia, will certainly be keeping people here on the city's radar.

We can't wait to see what he's capable of… but above all, at what level he'll be playing.

Because it's worth noting that Pugachyov, unlike Ivan Demidov two years ago and Alexander Zharovsky last year, isn't guaranteed to spend the year in the KHL. In fact, over the past few days, he's been seen playing in the MHL (the Russian junior league).

But the good news is that we still expect to see him play at least a little in the KHL this year. And apparently, that could happen sooner than expected, because he's already back in the KHL.

He was seen practicing with his Torpedo teammates in a video posted on the club's social media accounts.

Looks like Habs prospect Gleb Pugachev is back in the KHL with HC Torpedo pic.twitter.com/zoGesXhqh4

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 22, 2026

It's worth noting that Torpedo's season is set to begin on September 5. That leaves exactly two weeks until tip-off… and we're wondering if Pugachev will take part in that game.

Right now, it looks like he'll likely be shuttling back and forth between the KHL and the MHL several times throughout the year. But seeing him back in the KHL already is still a good sign.

It remains to be seen whether Pugachyov—who has only played preseason games in the MHL so far—will get the chance to play at least one game in the KHL before the season starts. It stands to reason that he'll get at least one opportunity to prove himself, but that's not guaranteed.

The important thing, however, is that he gets playing time and makes the most of his opportunities: if he does, more opportunities will follow.

In a Nutshell

– Well done.

Good guy Svech pic.twitter.com/Vs4rdU5Aux

— BarDown (@BarDown) August 22, 2026

– Great addition for the Wolverines heading into the 2027–28 season.

I hear Dima Zhilkin has committed to the University of Michigan for the 2027–28 season.

Zhilkin is my seventh-ranked prospect in the #2027NHLDraft and a likely Team Canada World Junior player this December. Big get for the Wolverines.

— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) August 22, 2026

– This is the hot topic in MLB right now. And it goes beyond the trophy named after him that's gone missing.

It will have a major impact on the upcoming labor dispute. https://t.co/vFLYGqXKQC https://t.co/GThx0iYKhm

— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) August 22, 2026

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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