The Florida Panthers might get a chance to boost their play on the blueline as Igor Eronko of Sport-Express reports that KHL defenseman Artyom Sergeyev has informed his team, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, that he intends to sign with the Panthers when his KHL contract expires on May 1.
The 27-year-old defensive defenseman has played in the KHL for the past five years. He has played the last two years for Salaat Yulaev Ufa, where he has scored eight goals and 21 points in 110 games. He’s also no stranger to North America as he played three years in the QMJHL with the Val-d’Or Foreurs and then played two seasons with the Syracuse Crunch in the Tampa Bay Lightning system from 2013-15. Unfortunately, Sergeyev never got a chance at the NHL while there and was even sent to the Florida Everblades of the ECHL at one point in 2015, before opting to return to Russia.
The Panthers struggled defensively last season as they were tied for third in the league with the most goals allowed per game, 3.25, while allowing the 10th most shots in the league at 32.3. That didn’t help newly signed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who struggled in his first season after signing a seven-year, $70MM contract. He finished the season with a career worst 3.23 GAA and a .900 save percentage. The hope is that Sergeyev can take some of the pressure off Bobrovsky.
teh leafs?!?! r teh leafs involved?!?!?!?
@windmill – Are you trying to say the Leafs *need* D help? Kyle D. is shaking his head…(north-south, not east-west)
Teh ?
@goalieguy41 – I know, he keeps doing that, but I think we can guess where he’s going… (I think — kinda like phonetic typing, if you will)
This is maybe a 6-7 defenseman tops.
@dave frost nhlpa – Hopefully, Dale Tallon didn’t promise him a top-4 role, otherwise there might be a quick mutual contract termination! At least, in theory, he’s got a better path to the NHL, should they decide to let him get his feet wet in the “A” first.
yep will allow Marek Pysyk to switch to Right Wing permanately
For shame, G! Marek? I started going through all of the Mareks in my memory bank, and forgot my other drive had spun up 30 minutes ago.. :)
Hope all is good with you, my friend!
Hey Mac, I made a blunder on name I thought Pysyk was from Czech Republic , as on research since re-read message as was looking at capfriendly.com cause they removed season stats from team screens , his name is Mark Pysyk , your drive is all good my drive is stuck in reverse, My BAD! he played in 58 games this season at least 30+ he was listed on Right Wing, as played Hat Trick Challenge I used site everyday for stats , wander if could find how many games he played forward than listed as Defenseman . Just wanted to fix your drive and restore your memory bank , lol Take Care my friend. Stay Safe. You are healthy , no charges applied.