After revitalizing his stats in Russia, the veteran netminder cut ties with Spartak to test free agency, targeting backup roles with goalie-needy contenders like Edmonton or Ottawa.
According to Russian sources, Alexander Georgiev has terminated his KHL contract with KHL Spartak and will prepare for an NHL comeback.
The news circulated around social media from Hockey News Hub, which is a well-known account in international hockey. At first, when it was reported that the two sides would be terminating the deal, the thought was it was mutual. However, upon further research, it was revealed that it was Georgiev who decided to go through with it.
The goal behind it was to find another NHL job. And, while that may be hard for him, it isn't impossible. He had a 12-10-2 record with a .918 SV% and a 2.37 goals against average in the KHL this season. Which is significantly better than what he had in the NHL when he headed overseas.
He had a .875 SV% and a 3.37 GAA, split between the San Jose Sharks and the Colorado Avalanche in 2024–25. He managed to sign with the Buffalo Sabres at the start of this past season. However, never played a game for them.
Now, the hope is that he can find a new home in the NHL and not have to go back to the KHL. There are a couple teams that could take a chance on him on a one-year, league minimum contract. Such as the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators, both are teams that are looking for a backup goalie.
For now though, Georgiev will have to wait until at least July 1, when free agency opens and he and his camp can talk to NHL teams.