Canucks sign KHL defenceman Nikita Tryamkin

Damien Cox & Elliotte Friedman discuss the Canucks cap situation, Zac Rinaldo’s suspension and Winnipeg to host an outdoor game.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed KHL defenceman Nikita Tryamkin to an entry-level deal, the team confirmed Tuesday evening.

The news of the two-year deal was first reported by News 1130 in Vancouver. According to the outlet, the two-way deal is worth $1.85 million

The 21-year-old has played with Yekaterinburg Avtomobilist for the last four seasons. He was released from the final two months of his KHL contract following the completion of the season Thursday, and the Canucks have been eager to bring their 2014 third-round pick over to North America.

The big stay-at-home blue-liner registered 11 points (a career high) and 71 penalty minutes this season and led his club’s defencemen in ice-time per game during their short playoff run.

“As far as him staying over here for the long term, we’re going to sign him and get him over here practising and then hopefully get him in some games between now and the end of the season,” Benning told the Vancouver Sun Sunday.

“If he’s ready (for the NHL), that’s perfect. If he still needs time to develop, we’ll have to talk to him. With all Russian players, you hope that they stick it out for that development period and are part of your team long term.”

March 8, 2016

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Nikita Tryamkin
SIGNED BY
Vancouver Canucks
LENGTH
2 yrs
CONTRACT TYPE
Entry-Level Deal
SALARY CAP HIT
$925,000
TOTAL
$1.85 million

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