Central Notes: Eremenko, Johnson, Shalunov
09/28/2024 11:16 AM
The Predators had discussions with prospect defenseman Vladislav Eremenko this summer about bringing him to North America, the blueliner revealed in an interview with Sport-Express' Mikhail Skyal. The 25-year-old was a fifth-round pick back in 2018 but has played exclusively in the KHL since the 2019-20 campaign. However, he requested and received a one-year deal from Metallurg to stay with the Gagarin Cup champions for this season. Eremenko indicated that he wouldn't rule out the idea of signing with Nashville for next season but would likely want a European Assignment Clause put in the deal so that he wouldn't have to play in the minors. If he does sign, he would be capped at a one-year, entry-level agreement.
More from the Central:
- Wild forward Reese Johnson returned to practice yesterday after missing a few days with an upper-body injury, relays Michael Russo of The Athletic (Twitter link). The 26-year-old signed a one-year deal with Minnesota this summer after being non-tendered by Chicago back in June. He played in 42 games last season primarily on the fourth line, picking up five points while taking a regular turn on the penalty kill. He's likely to fill a similar role for Minnesota if he cracks their opening night lineup.
- The Blackhawks have relinquished the rights to winger Max Shalunov, reports Scott Powers of The Athletic (subscription link). The 31-year-old was drafted back in 2011 but with there being no transfer agreement between the NHL and the Russian Hockey Federation, Chicago held his rights indefinitely. Shalunov has elected to stay in the KHL since returning there for the 2014-15 season following a stint in Chicago's farm system on a minor league deal. He had 36 points in 68 games with Lokomotiv last season and GM Kyle Davidson decided that he didn't intend to sign Shalunov so they elected to release his rights.
