For many hockey players, playing in the NHL is a lifelong dream — a sentiment shared by stars like Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. This ambition is no different for Maxim Beryozkin, who recently opened up about his choice to remain in the KHL for another season.
In an exclusive interview with Daria Tuboltseva of VseProSport, the 23-year-old winger revealed why he decided to delay his move to the NHL.
“He (Igor Valerievich Nikitin) thought it was too early for me to make the jump to the NHL,” Beryozkin said, referring to the former head coach of Yaroslavl Lokomotiv. “I took that advice seriously and chose to stay another year rather than playing in the AHL.”
Beryozkin confirmed that the Edmonton Oilers had expressed interest in signing him. “I was invited to join the team,” he explained. “We had conversations and discussions, but I didn’t give them a definitive answer. I believe staying in the KHL for another season will benefit my development.”
He made this decision as early as December. “My dream is to play in the NHL, competing against the stars I’ve admired my whole life,” he added.
Beryozkin’s reasoning is clear: he wants to skip time in the AHL and join the Oilers’ main roster directly, sharing the ice with players like McDavid and Draisaitl.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 211 pounds, Beryozkin had a breakout campaign in the KHL last season. Over 66 games, he tallied 15 goals and 42 points, logged 63 hits, and took 143 shots on goal while averaging nearly 16 minutes per game.
He also played a pivotal role in Lokomotiv’s championship run, scoring 14 points in 21 playoff games.
