On Evgeni Dadonov …
Stephen Whyno: Golden Knights GM George McPhee confirms that he’s had talks with forward Evgeni Dadonov. He’s not sure if they’ll be able to sign him or if Dadonov will even come over to the NHL.
Aivis Kalnins: Have been hearing that the Golden Knights aren’t the only team interested in Dadonov. There could be a bit of a bidding war going on.
Aivis Kalnins: Dadonov still hasn’t decided if he wants to come over to the NHL or remain in the KHL.
On Vadim Shipachyov and Evgeni Dadonov …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 590 said that he isn’t sure if another team was willing to offer Vadim Shipachyov the two years that the Vegas Golden Knights gave him. Friedman notes that there have been rumors for months that the Golden Knights were going to sign both Shipachyov and Evgeni Dadonov.
“I don’t know if they’re going to sign Dadonov. I think they’re still deciding whether or not they’re going to do that. Shipachyov is, as you said, a playmaker whose numbers are very impressive over there. Not as impressive as Kovalchuk’s, but still pretty good.
“A lot of teams thought he was going to come over last year, including Montreal, who was all over him. His contract did not allow him to do it. He was actually looking for four years at $5 million per, I heard, and nobody was willing to do that. But he did want to come and give it a shot. I think the difference is I think Vegas was one of the few teams who was willing to give him a second year.”
thinks the Shipachyov signing was good for the Golden Knights as there isn’t a lot offense available for them and it’s worth the shot on a two-year deal.