Belov Criticizes Neftekhimik's Signing of Lovell
Ex-Ak Bars coach Valery Belov questioned why Neftekhimik signed defenceman Tim Lovell instead of developing a VHL prospect, citing his weak performances.
Lovell has played six matches this season, posting a plus-1 rating and averaging 15:23 in ice time.
"I don't fully understand why some clubs sign imports who don't clearly outperform Russians from their own system and who could easily be found in the VHL. Take Neftekamsk's Neftekhimik as an example: they signed Timothy Lovell from the ECHL, and unsurprisingly he hasn't impressed. Yes, he skates reasonably well, but he falls well short of the average level of the defensive line in this league. We see neither efficiency nor flair. Does he need time to adapt? Then why not take a promising defenceman from the VHL and give him that time instead? Lovell didn't always make the lineup in North America, and that was in his third-tier league. What is the point of developing this import?" said Belov.
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