Here we go again. Didn't go through this last year? Yes we did. Rumors were that a star Russian forward that wanted to come to the NHL really wanted to play in Philadelphia. He was "friends" with Matvei Michkov and wanted to play with him. All winter and spring long, rumors kepy flying around that at any moment, he would sign with the Flyers and we would have a KHL superstar play with us.
In the end, it might have been good for us. Maxim Shabanov ended up surprising all of us and signed with the New York Islanders. The 25 year old has appeared in 42 games for the Isles this year, scoring just four goals with 12 assists. That's a far cry from someone who's scored 47 goals in the previous two seasons in the KHL. Also, with Rick Tocchet as Philly's coach, would the 5'9" right winger fit in? Just ask Bobby Brink.
Vitali Pinchuk is not Shabanov
The newest Russian Hockey League player that could pop up on Philly's radar is Vitali Pinchuk. Pinchuk plays center for the Minsk Dynamo, one of the KHL's top teams. Pinchuk, in 62 games, has scored 31 goals with 33 assists. His 64 points are tied for sixth in the league and his 31 goals are second in the KHL. The 23 year old also has played in North America, suiting up for the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL in 2019-20, scoring 13 goals.
Besides being a better scoring forward, Pinchuk also has another attribute that separates him from Shabanov. Pinchuk stands at a hefty 6'3" and 190 lbs. He is a big body that can throw that weight around. That big size is something that the Flyers have been going on lately. A center that size harkens back to the age of Eric Lindros, Joel Otto, and Keith Primeau. He could line up nicely with Michkov on one side and perhaps Porter Martone or Travis Konency on the other.
The KHL season ends this week; then the playoffs begin. Pinchuk is scheduled to become a free agent when this season ends. The Flyers may have a leg up on other teams as they already have a former Minsk Dynamo player, Aleksei Kolosov, on their roster. Having a familiar face might help make the transition from Russia to America easier. Like Pinchuk, Kolosov is also a native of Belarus, which could also make Philadelphia attractive to Pinchuk.
Much like Shabanov, this could drag out into the summer and it may not play in the Flyers favor. However, if the cards do fall into place, this could be a great pick up for Briere and the Flyers. If the free agent market for Philadelphia comes up empty, Pinchuk could become a good fallback option.