Knights Sign Vadim Shipachyov

While the NHL playoffs are taking place, the other teams in the league aren’t taking it easy. Witness the signing of Vadim Shipachyov by the Las Vegas Knights on Thursday. While it may not seem like a big deal, Shipachyov had his choice of teams to sign with. Las Vegas offered him a two-year $9 million contract, which may have been higher than other teams were comfortable with. Having just one other player signed meant the Knights didn’t have to worry about the salary cap.

Shipachyov’s signing does mean the Knights are going to try and make a splash early. That’s something that’s probably needed in the fickle Las Vegas market. People will come see a winning team. A losing team could be a different story. Many expansion teams take their time at the beginning. Don’t expect Las Vegas to do the same.

The Knights are going to get some decent defensive players in the the expansion draft. But don’t be surprised to see them deal a few defense players for some offense once that is completed. You can also expect the Knights to turn down deals of not taking a certain player in exchange for a third- or fourth-round picks. Those players seldom make the NHL anyway, but are seen as assets by other teams.

Shipachyov was third in the KHL in scoring this past year with 26 goals and 50 assists in 50 games. He also helped lead St. Petersburg to its second championship in three years. He’s a good player and knows what he’s getting into the expansion Knights. Not that the money doesn’t help, but other teams with free cap space had him in their sights.

The Las Vegas Knights made a solid signing with Shipachyov. How well the team will do with its other players is something that will be known shortly.