One of the big goal scorers for the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs has signed a deal with the New York Rangers. Today, we have news of a Pavel Dorofeyev contract, as the restricted free agent has signed a contract right after being traded. The Russian’s new deal is seven years with an average $11 million salary cap hit.
Pavel Dorofeyev trade grades: Who won the Rangers and Golden Knights deal? bit.ly/4eKFXkG📸 Jamie Schwaberow, Getty Images
Pavel Dorofeyev Contract Signed by New York Rangers
There was some indicators that it would be difficult for Vegas to re-sign Dorofeyev smoothly. It isn’t unexpected as players who have really exploded during their restricted free agency timeline, finding the team and player friendly balance between good and evil, I mean, a bridge-deal and a monster extension,
The Rangers and general manager Chris Drury swooped in and were able to land the 25-year-old. At this time of the news of the Pavel Dorofeyev contract, it calls for a statistical review of data. Pronto! Dorofeyev is a sniper, he knows how to beat goals and has the combination of power and accuracy
The 25-year-old Russian has scored 92 goals through 231 career regular season games to this point of his NHL career. A career that has spanned parts of five seasons if you include his two-game 2021-22, as a member of the Golden Knights. He now takes his talents to the bright lights on the Big Apple.
(Credit Image: © Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald via ZUMA Press Wire)
What It Means
He was not awarded a Stanley Cup victory, because he only played in 18 regular season games for the Golden Knights in 2022-23. However, he played a massive hand in the Golden Knights making a run to the Stanley Cup Final. However, the Golden Knights came up short against the Carolina Hurricanes in six games.
Vegas once again proves that it is willing to do whatever it takes to shake up the roster. This even means dealing a proven goalscorer to create salary cap space.
Drury gets a younger Russian goalscorer to replace Artemi Panarin, who was traded at the deadline. The Rangers are hoping to get moving back up the standings after two disastrous campaigns in a row.
Main Photo Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
