The relationship between Vadim Shipachyov and the Vegas Golden Knights has gotten even more turbulent.
Shipachyov, who the Golden Knights reassigned to the Chicago Wolves last week, was expected to make his AHL debut in the team’s Saturday night game against the Milwaukee Admirals. Instead, though, Shipachyov skipped the Wolves game and flew back to Las Vegas with his family.
Now he’s facing the repercussions.
According to a report from Sportsnet’s Eric Engels, the Golden Knights have suspended Shipachyov for leaving Chicago. Engels also reports that if Shipachyov isn’t traded as early as Monday, his contract could be terminated, opening the door to a return to Russia.
Shipachyov’s tenure as a Golden Knight has been nothing short of totally bizarre. After signing with Vegas in the offseason and being regarded as the team’s eventual top-line center, the 30-year-old failed to make the team out of training camp. He finally got his chance to play in a Golden Knights uniform earlier this month, only to be sent back down to the AHL after three games.
The Golden Knights have granted Shipachyov permission to seek a trade. But as quickly as this soap opera has heightened, it’s hard to believe the disgruntled former KHL star is doing himself any favors.
On top of suspending Shipachyov, the Golden Knights also waived defenseman Griffin Reinhart, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Reinhart, 23, hadn’t appeared in a single Golden Knights game this season. The former fourth overall draft pick failed to make an impact in training camp and continues to struggle finding his place in the NHL.
With Reinhart on waivers, this could open the door for Shea Theodore to finally make his Golden Knights debut. Theodore, who the Golden Knights assigned to the Wolves prior to the regular season, has been dominant in the AHL with five goals and 11 points in eight contests.