Clubs React to Todd's Move from Salavat to Ak Bars
Canadian Nathan Todd, who not long ago played for Ufa«s Salavat Yulaev, was in Ak Bars» lineup for the «Green Derby». The player was introduced shortly before the match between the two arch-rivals. However, the match ended in favor of Salavat Yulaev. We look at what both clubs and their fans are saying.
Nathan Todd joined Salavat in 2024. According to Sport-Express, his annual salary at the club was 60 million rubles (approximately $600,000 at current rates). A year later, the athlete moved to Spartak, where, according to the same source, he earned 40 million rubles (approximately $400,000 at current rates).
After half a year, the hockey player transferred to Ak Bars — in return, the Moscow club received two players from Kazan. After the introduction, Nathan Todd addressed the fans, calling Ak Bars a top club.
«There»s always a great team here, the strongest lineup. I want to meet everyone as soon as possible and start playing for the new team. I«ve always enjoyed playing in Kazan, especially during the »Green Derby« — the city is very beautiful and the atmosphere in the arena is magnificent. And of course, it»s great that we«ll be on the same team with Sasha Khmelevsky again,» Todd stated.
In an interview with the Kazan club«s press service, the Canadian said that the goal is »to win every game« and that he is ready to take on »any role«. According to him, during negotiations with Spartak, they »could not reach an agreement«. What exactly — the hockey player did not specify.
Salavat Yulaev head coach Viktor Kozlov stated that Todd did a lot for the team, and added:
«I think Ak Bars is lucky that they took Todd… and Khmelevsky, and Pustozeryov. Growing for Kazan,» he replied with irony.
Ak Bars head coach Anvar Gatiatulin declined to comment on his colleague«s words from Ufa. However, he said that it»s too early to draw conclusions from one game — the hockey player needs about six matches to understand the game.
Here«s what the fans are saying:
«Next year, look, even Rempal will move to Ak Bars. That»s how we«ll dismantle Salavat Yulaev,» one joked.
«He trained with Khmelevsky and Yashkin. The trio is deadly,» declared another.
«We want to believe that he will strengthen our Ak Bars,» said a Kazan fan.
«He seems kind of sad,» noticed another.
«He wants to go back to Salavat Yulaev,» another joked in response.
«Why so sad? You»ve joined a great club! Be happy and eat chak-chak (a Tatar sweet pastry) and echpochmak (a Tatar meat pie),« says another fan.
Ufa«s Salavat Yulaev joked on their social media with a short video captioned: »Sheldon Rempal in a chat with Khmelevsky and Todd,« with the voice of comedian Alexey Shcherbakov in the background: »How come you«re all together? What are you doing there?»
Ufa fans appreciated the joke:
«We need Livio then in Ak Bars for good measure,» declared one of them.
«We need Livio back in Salavat Yulaev,» said another.
«With such a Rempal, no Livio is needed,» observed a third.
«Kazan has the highest salary cap. And from here comes the phrase: »With money, anyone can do it, you try without money,« » add the Ufa supporters.
«Come back, our prodigal children, we forgive everything,» joke Salavat fans.
