The Vegas Golden Knights have claimed former Edmonton Oilers forward Valentin Zykov off of waiver. His deal runs through the 2019-20 season and carries an cap hit of $675,0000.
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Vegas Claims Valentin Zykov
Zykov has played for the Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers over his four-year NHL career. He has put up four goals and seven assists for 11 career points in 30 career games. The Los Angeles Kings originally drafted Zykov in the second round, 37th overall of the 2013 NHL draft.
This season he has handed out three assists for three points in 18 games between the two teams. He also added two penalty minutes. His possession numbers are 64.4 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 17.4. Zykov did not earn any points in his five games while in Edmonton.
The young Russian was the top scorer in the American Hockey League with 33 goals. He finished with 54 points in 63 games. That performance earned him a spot in the league’s All-Star Game. His performance wasn’t enough to stick the Hurricanes and he was claimed by the Oilers on Nov. 30.
The Oilers were hoping to push Zykov through waivers to get to AHL Bakersfield. Edmonton had brought back Kailer Yamamoto to the big club after a short stint in the minors. Vegas stepped in and claimed the young forward.
What This Means for the Future
Zykov has shown some flashes of brilliance, but hasn’t found a way to stick in the NHL. He could be a sneaky bottom-six scorer. However, it’s unclear what his role is going to be with the Golden Knights. The team is thin at left win and he may get a shot there.
Vegas has 24 on their roster, so another move is coming. However, no one knows what the move will be.
OTTAWA, ON – MARCH 24: Carolina Hurricanes Right Wing Valentin Zykov (73) skates during warm-up before National Hockey League action between the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators on March 24, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
