Ex-NHLer Viktor Stalberg tells wild story about being traded in Russia — then not — by legendary coach
Viktor Stalberg reveals how Bob Hartley wanted him gone from Avangard Omsk, but the KHL club's owner stepped in with a blunt override of the coach.
TL;DR
- Ex-NHLer Viktor Stalberg shared a peculiar story from his time in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
- He played for Avangard Omsk, coached by the tough Bob Hartley, who reportedly did not favor Stalberg.
- Stalberg's agent informed him he was to be waived, and later that the coach wanted him out.
- Stalberg requested a trade to the Shanghai-based Kunlun Red Star, and the teams reportedly agreed.
- However, the trade was unexpectedly canceled when the owner of Avangard Omsk told Bob Hartley to "f--- off" and that Stalberg was staying.
- Stalberg experienced a week of uncertainty regarding his future with the team.
- He eventually improved his relationship with Hartley and later signed with a Swiss team.