Reports: Russian, Knights on outs
The Golden Knights reportedly are set to cut ties with Russian center Vadim Shipachyov.
The team granted permission to Shipachyov’s agent to seek a trade, according to separate reports from Elliotte Friedman of sportsnet. ca and Darren Dreger of TSN in Canada.
The Knights declined comment Wednesday through a team spokesperson.
Shipachyov’s agent, Petr Svoboda, could not be reached.
Shipachyov, 30, was signed to a two-year, $9 million contract in May after posting 76 points in 50 games in Russia’s KHL.
He was projected to be an offensive force but struggled to adapt to the NHL style.
Shipachyov had one assist in four preseason games and was assigned to Chicago of the American Hockey League to open the season.
He reported then flew back to Las Vegas to be with his wife without suiting up for the Wolves.
The Knights recalled Shipachyov on Oct. 14 when Erik Haula went on the injured-reserve list. The next day against Boston, he joined Hall of Famer Gilbert Perreault as the only players to score the game-winner in his NHL debut with a firstyear expansion team.
But Shipachyov went without a point in his next two games and was assigned to Chicago (AHL) on Tuesday when Jonathan Marchessault was activated from the IR.
“I know he’s a high free agent that we got in the summer and we’d like to see him score more and all that,” Knights coach Gerard Gallant said Monday. “But again, it’s tough on the guy. He didn’t start here.
“He’s been bounced around a little bit. But we’re seven games in, so we’ve got to be patient and hopefully things turn around.”
Shipachyov, who is exempt from waivers, was scratched by the Wolves for their game against Manitoba on Wednesday.
The team’s next game is Friday against the Griffins in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
According to sportsnet.ca, Knights GM George Mcphee contacted Montreal on Tuesday about a possible trade involving Shipachyov, but the Canadiens were not interested.
Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @ Davidschoenlvrj on Twitter.