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When the Vegas Golden Knights sent down 30-year-old Russian star Vadim Shipachyov to the AHL to start the season, more than a few people were scratching their heads at the move. Shipachyov was signed in the offseason to be one of the Golden Knights’ cornerstones on offense, and his demotion to the minor leagues was a questionable decision.
On Saturday, however, the Golden Knights recalled Shipachyov after placing forward Erik Haula on injured reserve. Haula is expected to miss a week of game time due to a lower body injury sustained against the Red Wings.
Shipachyov’s demotion to the AHL wasn’t based on a lack of talent. More so, it was because of Vegas’ glut of defensemen taking up too much room on the 23-man roster. Shipachyov was one of Vegas’ only options to send down so the team could clear the roster limit, as he is waiver-exempt for having played zero NHL games in his career.
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While it made the team weaker, it was a mess of the Golden Knights’ own doing. Now, the injury to Haula has left a spot open on the roster until his return, so Shipachyov will finally get a crack at NHL ice.
Earlier this week, there were rumors swirling that Shipachyov was unhappy with his situation in the AHL and wanted to find a way to play in the KHL if given an opportunity. Vegas general manager George McPhee, however, debunked the rumor, denying his player’s unhappiness and saying that Shipachyov’s demotion was due to numbers.
Shipachyov had not reported to the Chicago Wolves, the Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate, since being sent down over a week ago.
If McPhee’s words are any indication, however, Shipachyov may be in Vegas to stay. That means the Golden Knights will have to trade or send down someone if and when Haula makes his way back into the lineup.