Leafs: Soshnikov has an escape-to-the-KHL clause if he’s not called up
The Maple Leafs have a bit of a ticking time bomb with Nikita Soshnikov’s contract. If the 24-year-old Russian forward, currently with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, is not in the NHL by Tuesday, he has the right to return to the KHL.
“At that time if he is not called up to the NHL he has the option to go to Russia,” Dan Milstein, Soshnikov’s agent, told the Star. “It will be up to the general manager and the coaching staff to make a decision.
“In my opinion, Nikita Soshnikov is an NHL player.”
Milstein confirmed the clause to the Star after TSN’s Pierre LeBrun first reported it.
Soshnikov failed to make the Leafs out of training camp and was sent to the minors in part because of a num- bers game. He did not require waivers to be sent to the Marlies, but he will once he plays three more NHL games.
It is possible the Leafs could convince Soshnikov to remain in the AHL, but it would require further negotiation with Milstein. Soshnikov is a restricted free agent July 1.
If he remains in the minors as of Tuesday, Soshnikov does not have to exercise his option to move back to Russia right away. He can choose to go later.
Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello did not offer a comment. But if in anjury or a trade does not materialize, Lamoriello’s hand may be forced while other teams peruse the Leafs roster.
To call up Soshnikov, the Leafs would have to create a roster spot. The only player the Leafs can send to the Marlies who doesn’t require waivers is Frederik Gauthier, who was just recalled as a depth centre with Auston Matthews missing Wednesday’s game.
The Leafs, who have just loaned Eric Fehr to the AHL San Diego Gulls, are loathe to lose a player for nothing. Under Lamoriello, they have found imaginative ways to hold on to players, including a liberal use of provisions for injured reserve and conditioning stints within the collective bargaining agreement.
The Leafs signed Soshnikov as a free agent in 2014, when he was one of the promising youngsters coming out of the KHL. He spent most of last season on the NHL roster, but suffered a series of injuries.
He has seven goals and seven assists in 67 career NHL games, and three goals and six assists in 11 games with the Marlies this season.
“Nikita Soshnikov had an accomplished KHL career before coming to the NHL,” Milstein said. He came here because he wants to play in the NHL. We’re patiently waiting until Nov. 14.
“I don’t want to speculate. I have a great relationship with Lou. Nikita is having a great season in the AHL. Of course he wants to be in the NHL. We’ll let the system work itself out.”