Vadim Shipachyov, Should The Habs Sign Another KHL All-Star?     

by Matt Smith, Staff Writer/Social Media Specialist, All Habs Hockey Magazine

Marc Bergevin addressed the Canadiens need for increased scoring on day one of free agency by signing free agent winger Alexander Radulov to a one-year, $5.75 M contract. This may not have been a move fans were anticipating, but it could end up being one of the best free agent signings across the league. Radulov played 53 games with CSKA Moscow during the 2015-2016 season, leading his team with 23 goals. He ranked second in the KHL with 42 assists and 65 points. Canadiens fans are now hoping the Russian winger can provide that level of scoring at the NHL level.

Vadim Shipachyov, Centre, SKA St. Petersburg
March. 12, 1987 | Cherepovets, Russia
6-0, 187 lbs. | Shoots Left |
2015-’16 Stats: 54 GP, 17 G, 43 A, 60 Pts

Another Russian, unrestricted free agent Vadim Shipachyov (Shipachev) is a name that has surfaced multiple times having association to the Montreal Canadiens, who allegedly are still interested in his services, even though their current salary cap would not accommodate a contract without making a few moves to clear space.

Shipachyov captured the attention of many at the 2016 Ice Hockey World Championship in Russia, as he led the tournament in scoring with 18 points in 10 games. He played on a line with Calder Memorial Trophy winner Artemi Panarin (second in tournament scoring) and Yevgeni Dadonov (third in tournament scoring). Shipachyov also led his KHL team; SKA St. Petersburg in scoring, producing 60 points in 54 games, finishing fourth in the league in points, and first in assists (43).

After collecting 336 points in 395 regular season KHL games (0.85 points per game) and 50 points in 65 playoff games (0.77 points per game) playing with Severstal Cherepovets and SKA St. Petersburg, it seems that Shipachyov is ready to play in the best league in the world, the National Hockey League, against its top players.

The question now is will Marc Bergevin create the space necessary to sign the Russian All-Star, or will Habs fans see him sign elsewhere due to inactivity? The Canadiens were interested in signing forward Artemi Panarin last season (former line mate of Shipachyov), who finished the year with 30 goals and 47 assists in his rookie season with the Chicago Blackhawks. Panarin signed after being offered less money from Chicago than Montreal.

The Habs would be wise to not let this happen to them again. I’m not saying they should overpay, but they certainly should not just step aside when other teams become interested, which in recent days have linked the Florida Panthers as a team also drawing interest in the services of Shipachyov.

The goal hungry Canadiens should undoubtedly take a chance on Shipachyov, as his playmaking ability and vision would give them the ability to roll with three scoring lines. He would also provide another weapon on the man advantage and would definitely compliment a goal scorer such as Max Pacioretty or recent addition, fellow Russian All-Star Alexander Radulov on his wing. I could also name recent first round pick, Mikhail Sergachev as a player who could benefit from having another Russian player in the organization.

It will be interesting to see what Marc Bergevin has up his sleeve, he has already surprised us with some big moves this summer, trading Lars Eller at the NHL Entry Draft to the Washington Capitals for two second round picks, signing former Blackhawk Andrew Shaw, signing Al Montoya after Mike Condon started the majority of the season in 2015-2016, and the biggest of all trading P.K. Subban to the Nashville Predators for Shea Weber.

Will the next be that Vadim Shipachyov is the newest member of the bleu, blanc et rouge?