Buffalo Sabres: Viktor Antipin Expected to Sign During Offseason
By Paul Taylor
According to a report from WGR 550, KHL defenseman Viktor Antipin is still set to join the Buffalo Sabres, despite Tim Murray no longer being general manager.
Tim Murray may no longer be calling the shots for the Buffalo Sabres, but it appears the team are still going to follow through on one of his long-time targets. As reported by WGR 550’s Brayton Wilson, Viktor Antipin is still expected to end up in Western New York.
Murray’s interest in the KHL defenseman apparently goes back to his days with the Ottawa Senators. Speculation started last month, that Antipin would join the Sabres once the KHL season finished.
Now, even with Murray out of the picture, the Oskemen, Kazakhstan native still appears set on coming to Buffalo. Wilson referenced a report from KHL Insider Aivis Kalnins, which said recent talks have taken place with the Sabres.
Further, it has been suggested a deal will likely be finalized once the 2017 IIHF World Championship finishes. (The tournament concludes on May 21.)
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Understandably, with Murray gone, some people may be wondering who is involved in the talks? While nothing has been confirmed, the best bet is assistant GM Mark Jakubowski, who is still part of the staff.
Regardless, what will the Sabres be getting in Antipin, again assuming he is coming to Buffalo? At 5 foot 11 and 174 pounds, he could certainly be considered on the small side for a defenseman.
However, the 24-year old is coming off a career year in the KHL, which included six goals and 24 overall points in 59 appearances. He was even better in the playoffs, with seven goals and 11 overall points in 18 games.
Showing Antipin’s ability to step up in big moments, he scored three goals in five games during the Gagarin Cup Final. While his team ultimately lost, he was named Best Defenseman of the KHL Final.
On the subject of big moments, this will be the third consecutive year the left-shot defenseman has represented Russia in the World Championship, after winning a silver and bronze medal in 2015 and 2016 respectively. In fact, his international experience with Russia dates back to 2009, when he won a bronze medal at the World Junior A Challenge.
One final note from Wilson which is worthy of mention, is Antipin’s potential contract. Initially, he will only be able to sign a one-year entry-level deal for the league maximum of $925,000, including bonuses.
What’s your take on the prospect of Antipin coming to Buffalo? Are you intrigued, dubious or not bothered either way? Share your thoughts in the comments section.