Viktor Stalberg recounts aborted trade to Kunlun Red Star under Bob Hartley

Former National Hockey League forward Viktor Stalberg described a chaotic sequence of events during his tenure with Avangard Omsk in the Kontinental Hockey League, where a planned trade to Kunlun Red Star was abruptly canceled by the team owner. Stalberg, who won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and played eight seasons in the NHL, signed with Avangard Omsk while the club was coached by Bob Hartley. Hartley, who won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001, was known for his intense coaching style. Stalberg told sportsbook Ozoon in a video interview that he and Hartley did not initially click, leading to a period where he was not one of the coach's preferred players.

Stalberg's agent informed him that the team intended to waive him. After this did not occur, the agent reported that Hartley had decided to bench him for the remainder of the season. Stalberg subsequently requested a trade despite holding a no-trade clause. Avangard Omsk reached an agreement with Kunlun Red Star, which was based in Shanghai at the time. Stalberg contacted the general manager and coach in Shanghai to discuss his role on the power play for an upcoming game.

After packing his bags and arriving at the rink, no one from Omsk informed him of the trade. Stalberg returned home without hearing from the organization. Hours later, his agent called to reveal that the owner had intervened, instructing Hartley to leave Stalberg on the roster. The trade was voided, and Stalberg remained with Avangard Omsk. He noted that his wife believed he was losing his mind during that week due to the conflicting information about his status. Ultimately, Stalberg earned Hartley's respect, and the coach wanted him to return for the following season. However, Stalberg chose to sign with Fribourg-Gotteron HC in Switzerland.