Panin reverses KHL retirement plans after getting 'hooked'

Head coach Viktor Kozlov has confirmed that Grigory Panin will remain captain of Salavat Yulaev, after the defenseman announced he would continue playing in the KHL despite earlier plans to retire.

Mar 12, 2026

Panin attributed his initial decision to leave the KHL to the emotional toll of the previous season.
Source:
hcsalavat.ru / HC Salavat Yulaev

Defenseman Grigory Panin of Salavat Yulaev has abandoned plans to leave the KHL after the 2026/2027 season. He made this statement in an interview with Championat. Earlier, the captain of the Ufa team had announced his retirement, explaining that it was hindering the growth of other club members.

When asked by a journalist if he would continue playing next season, Panin replied: «I want to! Something got me so hooked.»

«This is a topic for a separate big conversation, what thoughts and emotions I had, why such information [about leaving the KHL] appeared in the first place. ... Last season was very emotionally difficult. It wore me out simply, it was hard,» the hockey player was quoted by Championat.

Meanwhile, Salavat Yulaev head coach Viktor Kozlov still sees Panin as captain in the upcoming season.

«How much does he have left? One more season — why not,» said Kozlov at a press conference after the match with Torpedo.