Jump to content
The Official Site of the Vancouver Canucks
Canucks Community

[Signing] Alexander Khokhlachev to sign in KHL


Recommended Posts

Quote

Alexander Khokhlachev’s time with the Boston Bruins is up, according to a report out of Russia that has the 22-year-old forward signing with SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL.

 

The deal reportedly won’t be announced until after June 30; Khokhlachev is under contract with the B’s until then. But the fact he’s apparently decided to depart for the KHL should come as no surprise.

 

A second-round draft pick in 2011, Khokhlachev has spent the last three seasons piling up points in the AHL; however, he’s only appeared in nine NHL games.

 

Earlier this month, his agent told CBS Boston, “Alexander did not really get a chance for all the years that he signed a deal, for four years, the deals he signed with Boston, didn’t really get a chance to play in the National Hockey League, so he won’t stay in the organization.”

 

SKA acquired Khokhlachev’s KHL rights last summer.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/05/31/report-bruins-khokhlachev-to-sign-in-khl/

 

I have seen a couple of proposals on here where people suggested to acquire Khokhlachev from the Bruins (one had him on his second line), I guess that ain't happenin' anymore.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, Jock Cousteau said:

The chances of the Canucks getting him may have actually increased if he's not happy with the Boston organization.  He was s Benning pick too, no?

Yep. He used to be the Bruins’ assistant GM when they drafted Khokhlachev.

 

Here is Jim Benning's quote when the Bruins drafted Khokhlachev:

“He’s a skilled player,” said Benning, per the Boston Globe. “Loves to score. For a Russian player, he’s real competitive. He’s strong on the puck. He’s an elusive skater. From the blue line in on the offensive end, that’s the strength of his game.”

 

The Bruins also wanted to deal him on Trade Deadline Day, and Canucks were rumoured to be one of the teams interested in him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

30 minutes ago, Jägermeister said:

I bet it has an NHL out-clause.

This is likely a last ditch attempt to get Boston to trade him to a team that will actually use his talent.  Truly do not know why Boston hasn't given him a reasonable chance yet.

Right now it entirely doesn't matter... The deal cannot be signed until June 30 / July 1st, so if we traded for him, we could sign him right now today. No out clause necessary.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Interesting quote from his agent. Certainly reads like they're trying to force a trade, or would at least be open to staying with a team that offered him an opportunity to play in the NHL.

 

I've never been all that high on Koko. I've actually argued numerous times against spending high end assets on him (which has been proposed in recent years).

 

But with this news, the value might be coming more in line with where I'd need it to be to have interest.

 

However, I'm not sure our roster, as it sits, really offers him a great opportunity. Certainly not for him to be automatically pencilled into the top 12 forwards for opening night. But if he'd be good with assurances that he'd be given a fair shot to make the team, and be among our first callups if in Utica (edit: have to check his waiver status but quick math says he's still got a year of exemption), then he'd be a nice addition, especially in the wake of losing McCann.

 

Depends on what kind of relationship JB still has with the kid (and his agent). Certainly in the past, Benning was considered one of his biggest backers within Bruins management. That might still carry some weight and make him open to joining Vancouver even without a roster spot guarantee (which is pretty much the only way I could see it work from our end).

 

Certainly Boston fans seem open to moving him for pretty much peanuts right now, given that they might lose him for nothing anyway. Would be interesting to see what their management would accept. I wouldn't mind seeing Benning take advantage (but absolutely no sweeteners allowed on this one, JB ;)).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote

“Loves to score. For a Russian player, he’s real competitive. He’s strong on the puck. He’s an elusive skater. From the blue line in on the offensive end, that’s the strength of his game.”

I think Benning's initial comments reflect the stigma of many towards Russian players.  Perhaps there is a cultural difference, and that is a factor in the decision when Russian players decide to go to the KHL.  In this case, he would be going to his home country, and be given a shot in the biggest league in Europe.  I wouldn't spend any assets to get his rights at this point, chances are he gets a good shot in the KHL, and if he kills it, he'll be back.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 hours ago, DeNiro said:

Throw them a 2017 4th round pick and say take it or leave it.

 

That or offer up Grenier since I think he might be in tough to make the team next season.

I agree with offering Grenier. Doesn't seem like he has a future here, and his size is something the Bruins might covet. Grenier has done well in the AHL and so has Khokhlachev. I would hope a trade with him or Granlund would work out. No picks involved on our end please. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, desiboynux4lifee******* said:

Jim Benning is scouting more grinders folks, not skilled players lol.

How about he's scouting skilled grinders? :lol: seriously, skilled grinding players are extremely important, don't you think?  What role is Crosby playing in these playoffs?  Skilled grinder.  Pavelski?  Skilled grinder.  The list really does go on.  Having skilled grinders is the key to winning Cups.  Just ask Jonathan Towes.  He's probably the best skilled grinder in the world.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 minutes ago, Alflives said:

How about he's scouting skilled grinders? :lol: seriously, skilled grinding players are extremely important, don't you think?  What role is Crosby playing in these playoffs?  Skilled grinder.  Pavelski?  Skilled grinder.  The list really does go on.  Having skilled grinders is the key to winning Cups.  Just ask Jonathan Towes.  He's probably the best skilled grinder in the world.  

mr alf Granlund is not a skilled granlund, he is a utility player career 4th liner 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, desiboynux4lifee******* said:

mr alf Granlund is not a skilled granlund, he is a utility player career 4th liner 

 

I know that.  But you said JB is scouting grinders, not skill.  JB is scouting Tkatchuk, who is the best skilled grinder in this draft.  My point really is that to win a Cup you best players need to have skilled grinders in that group.  When we lost to Boston who was our best player?  Burrows.  Skilled grinder.  Who was their best player?  Bergeron.  Skilled grinder.  I really think JB is scouting skilled grinder players.  The .twins are actually skilled grinders.  They control the puck below the dots, grinding out shifts.  Kessel, P. Kane, Seguin.  Those are not skilled grinders.  They are skilled, but don't rely on grinding out shifts.  They are more off the rush guys.  I would love for us to have an elite skilled guy, but we need the skilled grinders to compliment them.  No grinders...no puck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...