The Philadelphia Flyers didn’t know when they’d see German Rubtsov play after drafting him last summer. The picture has become clearer on Rubtsov’s status as the team announced the signing of his entry-level-contract this afternoon.
Per GM Ron Hextall, the #Flyers have signed 2016 1st Round Pick German Rubtsov to an entry level contract → https://t.co/rgEyrHMDI6 pic.twitter.com/yn2Jka32FQ
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 2, 2017
German Rubtsov Signs ELC
After the Flyers drafted Rubtsov, there was some confusion on when and if the team would be able to bring him into their development camp. Rubtsov was under contract with HC Vityaz in the KHL for another two years.
GM Ron Hextall said the team was prepared for Rubtsov to stay in the KHL for the season. Rubtsov had mentioned that he was hoping to be playing in North America.
“My agent is still working on my contract to get out of Russia,” Rubtsov said through a translator. “I’m hoping to play here in North America. Obviously first I’d like to try if I could make it at the NHL level but if not I’ll play wherever they tell me I should.”
The Chicoutimi Sagueneens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League were hoping for the same. They would draft him 27th overall in the CHL Import Draft.
Les Saguenéens sélectionnent le russe German Rubtsov #CHLImportDraft #LHJMQ
— Saguenéens (@SagueneensLHJMQ) June 28, 2016
Rubtsov split time between the Russian Junior League and the KHL as the season began. Playing time was hard to come by as he only appeared in 15 KHL games. He would be scoreless in those 15 games. He also would appear in 15 games with Russkie Vityazi Chekov, recording seven goals and eight assists.
A few months into the season, Rubtsov would defect from his KHL club and head to the QMJHL to play for the Sagueneens. In 14 games, he has recorded eight goals and 12 assists. This move has given the Flyers a better opportunity to see how Rubtsov will develop. It has also given them a chance to see him play on a more regular basis.
Unreal goal by German Rubtsov.
Just filthy. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/0v7vqJfNWI— Flyers Prospects (@futureofphilly) March 1, 2017
He was a part of the bronze-medal-winning Russian squad at the 2017 World Junior Hockey Championships. He played in only five games, however, due to an injury sustained during the tournament.
Due to Rubtsov’s status as a draftee from Europe, he can join the American Hockey League earlier than others. If his junior team’s season ends before the AHL season, he could join the Lehigh Valley Phantoms for their playoff run. It is possible that Rubtsov could join the team next season as well.
While it is unclear what the Flyers will do come the end of the season, it is clear that they expect Rubtsov to be a part of their near future.
You can check out German Rubtsov’s scouting report here.
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