Jordan Gross Signs with Traktor Chelyabinsk
Jordan Gross, a 30-year-old American defenseman, has inked a one-year deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL, as confirmed by the club on Friday. Gross, who made his European debut last season with Dinamo Minsk, showcased impressive skills by accumulating 42 points across 77 games, including both regular season and playoffs.
General Manager’s Praise
Traktor’s general manager, Alexei Volkov, praised Gross, noting his ranking as sixth among defensemen in scoring within the league, along with a commendable plus/minus rating.
“His performance last season validated the attention he received. Gross possesses a keen hockey sense, excellent puck movement, and the versatility to excel on both boards and open ice. His integration will reinforce our defense with a seasoned professional ready to tackle significant challenges,”
Volkov remarked.
Traktor’s Strong Season
Last season, Traktor Chelyabinsk achieved notable success, finishing at the top of the KHL’s Eastern Conference while also demonstrating strong defensive capabilities with one of the best goals-against records. Despite the team’s success, the need for an experienced player like Gross highlights their commitment to continually enhance team performance.
Career Background
Before joining the KHL, Gross went undrafted after his tenure at the University of Notre Dame. He began his professional career with the Arizona Coyotes towards the end of the 2017-18 season, subsequently being assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners. Over his career, Gross has split his time predominantly between the AHL and the NHL, where he has played 25 games with three different franchises—the Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, and Nashville Predators.
Notable Teammates
Traktor’s lineup also features notable players such as veteran Vladimir Zakharov, who previously played for the New Jersey Devils, as well as rising talents like Arseni Koromyslov (St. Louis Blues), Semyon Der-Arguchintsev (Toronto Maple Leafs), Matvei Guskov (Minnesota Wild), and Vasili Glotov (Buffalo Sabres).
