Way back in march, we learned that the Montreal Canadiens were looking to sign KHL standout Vadim Shipachyov. A former linemate of the Blackhawks‘ Artemi Panarin, another player the Canadiens attempted to sign from the KHL, they were again looking to Russia to sign some talent.
While the Habs were the first to be in on him, they are no longer alone there.
Friedman/Shipachyov: “Montreal was really one of the first teams to go at him hard,” but ton of teams now trying to get him. #Habs 1/2
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) May 20, 2016
This could be the second time in as many years that the Canadiens go after an interesting KHL signing, but get sniped by another team. Considering that Panarin reportedly took less money to sign with Chicago than he was offered by the Canadiens, it feels like they could be in for a similar let down this time.
Friedman/Shipachyov: “I wouldn’t even know how to handicap that race. As one GM told me, ‘Everybody is trying to sign him.’ ” 2/2
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) May 20, 2016
Of course, only time will tell, and it would be pretty alarmist to rule the Habs out of the race already. That being said, if the level of interest is that high, it could drive up the cost, and make it difficult for the Habs to get their guy.
Stay tuned, this could get interesting.
