The Dallas Stars and restricted free agent Valeri Nichushkin do not appear to be closer to a contract, and the KHL could be an option for the club’s 10th overall selection in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
According to @galkevich32 Valeri Nichushkin is set to sign 2-year deal with #CSKA of the #KHL. CSKA has just acquired rights for him #Stars
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) September 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/777966083731062784
Nichushkin linked to KHL
This could be a leverage move or maybe where there is smoke there is fire. The big Russian has appeared in 166 games for the Stars over the previous three seasons and averaged under 15 minutes of ice time. Nichushkin player over 50 percent of the time with Mattias Janmark, Jason Spezza, Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. Linemates do not appear on the surface to be the issue. With only nine goals and 20 assists in 79 games last year, the salary demands need to match with on-ice production.
According to a report from Igor Eronko, Nichushkin is apparently unhappy with Lindy Ruff as coach.
Per source Nichushkin doesn't want to play for Lindy Ruff. Although he wants to return to #Stars someday.Ruff's contract is for 2 more years
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) September 19, 2016
Fleischmann on PTO
Tomas Fleischmann will join the Minnesota Wild on a professional tryout, according to the Wild. The 32-year-old left winger was offered a contract with the Montreal Canadiens after a PTO last summer. He was traded during the season to the Chicago Blackhawks.
#mnwild has invited forward Tomáš Fleischmann to training camp on a PTO. pic.twitter.com/7nR7ncuuDK
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) September 19, 2016
After a career year with the Florida Panters in 2011-12 recording 27 goals and 34 assists, Fleischmann’s production has been nearly cut in half. The last two years were spent between four teams: Florida,Montreal, Chicago and the Anaheim Ducks. Last year, his time in Montreal and Chicago combined for 14 goals, 11 assists in 76 appearances.
The Wild look fairly set on the left wing, but a Fleischmann could prove to be a depth player for Minnesota. He likely will not return to the form of 2011-12, but could add skill to the Wild’s middle-six.
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