The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that winger Valentin Zykov has been claimed off waivers by the Edmonton Oilers. Additionally, goalie Scott Darling cleared waivers and has been reassigned to the AHL Charlotte Checkers. Both had been placed on waivers by the Hurricanes earlier in the week.
EDM claims Zykov
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 30, 2018
Oilers Claim Zykov Off Waivers
The 23-year-old Zykov spent his time in the Hurricanes organization shuttling between the Checkers and the Hurricanes. He scored three goals in 13 games with the Hurricanes this season. He also tallied two goals in six games with the Checkers. The Russian winger tallied an impressive offensive total with the Checkers of the American Hockey League, prior to his promotion to the NHL Hurricanes. He was voted the best forward of the 2018 Checkers in a fan vote at the end of the season. His 30 goals led the league and earned him an AHL All-Star birth. Those were the most goals scored by a Russian-born skater since Artem Anisimov did so in 2008-09.
Zykov was also a part of the Russian National youth teams that won U17 gold in 2012 and took the bronze medal at the 2014 World Junior Championship.
Elite Prospects says the following about Zykov. “A highly skilled offensive minded player. Zykov is strong, skates very well and has impressive hands and creativity. Good scorer and potential to become a high scoring player in the future.” He has a good shot, quick release, and doesn’t mind going to the front of the net.
Oilers Hope To Add Speed and Offense
The Oilers are giving up one of their 50 contracts at a very low risk to acquire Zykov. The forward was in the second year of his contract at $700,000 for this season. He could provide some much-needed speed and scoring for the 12-11-4 Oilers if he plays to his AHL potential.
The 6’0, 220 pound forward was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings on February 28, 2016, in exchange for Kris Versteeg. He was originally drafted by Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He went at No. 37 overall.
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