It looks like the LA Kings are dipping their toes into the KHL waters again, as the team is reportedly signing Russian forward Vladimir Tkachyov.
The LA Kings are reportedly nearing a contract agreement with Russian forward Vladimir Tkachyov.
Hearing LA Kings are close to announcing a deal with Russian forward Vladimir Tkachyov. The 25yr old forward recently split with SKA to pursue his NHL dream. https://t.co/S8dU3Iphys
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) May 28, 2021
Tkachyov played the last five seasons in the KHL; the last two were spent with perennial KHL powerhouse SKA St. Petersburg. He scored 38 points (11-27-38) in 45 regular-season games this past season, plus eight (1-7-8) in 11 playoff games.
From Oscar Fantenberg to Ilya Kovalchuk to Nikolai Prokhorkin, the Kings have made several signings out of the KHL in recent years. Though none have worked out too well for them yet, it doesn’t seem like it’s dissuaded the Kings from continuing to look to Russia for help.
Tkachyov does have some experience playing hockey in North America, having played for the Moncton Wildcats and Quebec Ramparts of the QMJHL in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons.
This post will be updated with the contract terms and dollars.
UPDATE 5/29:
"The LA Kings have agreed to terms with free agent forward Vladimir Tkachyov on a one-year entry level contract worth $832,500, according to Vice President and General Manager Rob Blake."