Moscow Dynamo's head coach Leonid Tambev has publicly expressed his desire to retain Canadian forward Cedric Paquette for the upcoming season. The player's future with the club became a topic of discussion after he was forced to end his regular season prematurely due to an injury that required surgery.
In a recent statement, Tambev made his intentions clear regarding the veteran forward. "I am counting on Paquette. I like him. He is a very masculine, tough player," the coach explained. He emphasized that the team had gathered comprehensive information on the player and views him as a valuable asset, particularly noting his status as a player with a Russian passport.
The coach's optimism is tempered by the medical reality of Paquette's situation. "God willing, the surgery will allow him to play. He is a warrior. God willing. He only recently had the operation," Tambev stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the player's recovery timeline and future playing capacity.
Regarding the contractual specifics, Tambev outlined a clear condition for any potential extension. The decision to renew Paquette's contract hinges entirely on his medical fitness. "If he is medically fit, of course, we will reach an agreement," the coach confirmed, indicating that the club is prepared to wait for a definitive medical prognosis before finalizing any deal.
The coach also revealed that communication channels with the player's camp are open and active. He disclosed that he has been in direct contact with Paquette's agent, conveying the club's position clearly. "We communicated with his agent. I told his agent everything clearly. Paquette is ready to come and try. Step by step. We discussed everything," Tambev said, outlining a cautious, phased approach to the player's potential return.
The plan involves Paquette traveling to join the team for an evaluation. "He will come, we will see. If everything is normal, I would like him to stay on the team," the coach added. This statement underscores the club's interest while acknowledging that the final decision rests on the successful outcome of the player's medical assessment and his ability to demonstrate his fitness during a trial period.
The situation places Cedric Paquette's career at a crossroads, with his next professional chapter dependent on his physical recovery. For Dynamo Moscow, it represents a calculated gamble on a player they believe can contribute significantly, provided his body can withstand the demands of top-level hockey following his recent surgical procedure.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.