Exactly 10 days after recalling Russian forward Vadim Shipachyov from the Chicago Wolves, the Vegas Golden Knights are now sending the 30-year-old centerman back down to the AHL.
Shipachyov appeared in three games during his brief stint with the Knights. He scored one goal with zero assists during that span.
This further complicates the already bizzare relationship between Shipachyov and the Golden Knights. Prior to being recalled to Vegas earlier this month, it was reported that Shipachyov was unhappy with his nonexistent role on the team and was considering a move back to Russia to play in the KHL. Shipachyov’s agent, along with Golden Knights GM George McPhee, denied the report, but it will be interesting to see how things unfold between Shipachyov and the Knights now that he’s been sent down to the minors for the second time within a month.
This is certainly a bummer, especially given the buzz surrounding Shipachyov prior to the season. However, his demotion signals that one of the Golden Knights’ two injured forwards, Erik Haula and Jonathan Marchessault, may be on the verge of making a return to the lineup.
Marchessault returned to practice Friday after suffering a lower-body injury against the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 13. Haula skated this past weekend as well, who was also injured during the Knights’ tilt against Detroit.
UPDATE: Marchessault has indeed been activated from injured reserve and will play against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Marchessault has been activated. Will play tonight.
— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) October 24, 2017