The San Jose Sharks have inked another international free agent, this time signing Danil Yurtaikin to a two-year entry-level contract. Yurtaikin was undrafted and played this season with Lokomotiv in the KHL. GM Doug Wilson released a statement on his newest forward:
Danil is an explosive skater who uses his speed to create and sustain production in the offensive zone. His offensive talents led him to finish in the top three in scoring among players under 22 in the KHL. He has a championship pedigree as a two-time MHL champion and experience with the Russian national team. We’re excited for him to join our organization.
Yurtaikin, 21, was actually ranked 63rd among international skaters for the 2015 draft by the NHL’s Central Scouting but was a relatively unknown talent and ended up going undrafted. He ended up playing in the World Juniors for Russia in 2017, recording three points and helping to secure a bronze medal. Still, the Sharks are taking a chance on a player that doesn’t have a ton of experience at the professional level, with just 58 games under his belt in the KHL.
The Sharks have been aggressive in how they’ve added players from around the world over the last few offseasons, and appear to be following that trend again this year. Yurtaikin and Joel Kellman are just the latest lottery tickets for Wilson, who continues to build an excellent program in San Jose.