While NHL teams continue to fill out their rosters and prepare for the 2020-21 season, minor and European leagues also are working on new contracts. We’ll keep track of some of the newsworthy minor transactions right here:
- Shane Starrett has been signed by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to an AHL contract after becoming a Group VI unrestricted free agent. Starrett’s last two contracts were with the Edmonton Oilers, who he joined in 2017 after staring for the Air Force Falcons. The undrafted goaltender had an .874 save percentage in 14 appearances this season.
- Nail Yakupov is on the move, though it’s not back to North America. The 2012 first overall pick has been traded in the KHL from Amur Khabarovsk to Avangard Omsk, in exchange for monetary compensation. Yakupov had just one goal and seven points in 15 games for Amur.
I know my Russian’s a bit rusty, translation-wise, but I thought that article read that “Yakupov has been traded for a bag of bus tokens with two bags of pucks and some dirt.” His value has never been higher… (I’ll recheck the browser plug-in)
He’s primed for a Radulov-esque return to the big time.
With what talent.
1 Rubel = 0.013 US Dollars
@G – 1 Ruble = 1/2 Nail Yakupov! (the other half says “This Space For Rent”) :)
Imagine if Edmonton drafted Trouba or Rielly instead of Yak…