The Vegas Golden Knights recalled forward Vadim Shipachyov from the AHL Chicago Wolves on Saturday. The move came after the Knights first loss of the season to the Detroit Red Wings.
Vadim Shipachyov has been recalled from AHL Chicago by the #VGK.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 14, 2017
Originally projected as the Knights first line center, Shipachyov was sent to Chicago prior to opening night. Shipachyov did not play a game with the Wolves and instead remained in Las Vegas waiting for a recall.
Golden Knights Recall Vadim Shipachyov
Shipachyov’s demotion to the AHL initially came as a shock. The Russian center is signed to a two-year, $9-million deal with the Knights and was expected to play a significant role with the team.
Rumors began to circulate following the move that Shipachyov would look to return to the KHL if he did not receive NHL playing time. Prior to signing with Vegas, Shipachyov had played for SKA Saint Petersburg.
Shipachyov wanting to head back to the KHL is an embarrassment for Vegas and George McPhee. He should be a lock in their top-six.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) October 9, 2017
However, Knights general manager George McPhee explained that the move was not related to Shipachyov’s play. “This is a roster move and it’s not about performance,” McPhee told Shipachyov and his agent. Shipachyov’s agent also denied the rumor that his client wished to return to the KHL.
In his first year in the NHL, Shipachyov did not require waivers to return to the AHL, while other members of the Knights did. With a 23-man roster limit, and not wanting to lose players for nothing, McPhee sent Shipachyon, Alex Tuch, and Shea Theodore to the AHL. Based on pre-season play, all three should have been on the big club, but got caught in the numbers game. Shipachyov is the first to be recalled.
Shipachyov Will Give Vegas Offense a Boost
The Golden Knights have posted a record of 3-1-0 to start the season. Currently first in the Pacific Division, the Knights have had no issue finding the back of the net. Still, Shipachyov could provide them with an offensive boost.
The 30-year-old had 76 points in 50 games played with SKA Saint Petersburg last season. In the 2016-17 KHL playoffs, Shipachyov had 19 points in 17 games played.
While the Knights have been dominant out of the gate, lack of forward depth could result in scoring issues. Left wing James Neal currently leads the team with six goals. However, he is the only Knights player with more than one goal. Shipachyov should look to become a leading scorer on the Knights roster.
In order to make room on the roster, the Knights placed Erik Haula on injured reserve. Haula was hurt after fighting Tomas Tatar in last night’s game against Detroit.
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