The Vegas Golden Knights have claimed winger Valentin Zykov off waivers. His contract lasts through the 2019-20 season with an AAV of $675,000. He previously played for the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers.
The young Russian player was drafted in the second round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings. He never played a game for the Kings and got traded to the Hurricanes during the 2015-16 season. Over the last three seasons, Zykov has appeared in 25 NHL games, earning 11 points.
Zykov has found success in the AHL, however, leading the league with 33 goals last season and earning a roster spot in the 2018 AHL All-Star Game. Still, he wasn’t able to secure a long-term role with the Hurricanes. He was picked up off waivers by Edmonton on Nov. 30. In his time with the Oilers, he didn’t earn any points or even register a shot on net. He was placed on waivers Friday.
With the Golden Knights claiming Zykov, their roster now sits at 24. This can only mean another move is coming. It’s hard to say what is going to happen next, since it’s unclear what role Zykov will play within the Knights organization.