Zernov says agent told him of CSKA trade on a day off

Ak Bars forward Denis Zernov told Sport-Express that CSKA’s decision to trade him came as a surprise, with his agent breaking the news.

Zernov said the message arrived on a day off and that he had received no advance signals from management or coaches. Ak Bars emerged as an option shortly after his agent began searching for a new team, and he immediately agreed to the move.

The forward said he had missed games before the trade because of a minor injury sustained in training. He was receiving treatment and preparing to return when he learned of the move.

Zernov, 30, had played for CSKA since 2025. He recorded 29 points, comprising 11 goals and 18 assists, in 78 games for the club, with a plus-2 rating.