Originally linked to the Buffalo Sabres by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet back in March, new reports about Viktor Antipin signing with the team have surfaced today. KHL insider Aivis Kalnins reports that the two sides have talked recently, while Brayton Wilson of WGR 550 writes that sources have confirmed Antipin’s intention to sign in Buffalo for next season. The defender is only able to sign a one-year entry-level deal if he can agree to a termination with his club as he’s currently under contract through 2018.
Antipin’s teammate—and the other Magnitogorsk defender that Friedman mentioned in March—Alexei Bereglazov just signed with the New York Rangers, lending credence to the idea that Antipin will also journey to North America for next season. The 24-year old Russian has played in the KHL for six seasons already, and just completed a playoff run that saw him log more than 24 minutes a night for the Gagarin Cup finalists. His performance in the KHL playoffs was among the best, recording 11 points in 18 games and being named the top defenseman in the final series.
It is interesting to note that the Sabres don’t currently have a General Manager, so Antipin’s courtship must now be conducted by someone other than Tim Murray. Should the Sabres land the young defender, he’ll add an interesting option to the team for next year’s blueline. As Wilson reports, it would be likely that the deal would contain a clause for Antipin to return home should the team wish to send him down to the AHL, similar to the one Nikita Tryamkin negotiated into his deal.
Antipin’s success on the powerplay is an appealing factor for the Sabres, who already boasted the top unit in the league this year. Adding another dangerous option on the blueline can only help the team as it looks to rebound from another disastrous season and claw their way back into the playoffs. Antipin will be playing in the upcoming World Championships, where he’ll test himself once again alongside NHL players.