Rumour: Nikolay Goldobin heading to the KHL

The rumours of players heading to Europe for next season are starting to come out, an interesting name from the Canucks appeared

It’s important to remember that at this point, it’s all rumours and no confirmation but according to reports in Russia, Nikolay Goldobin could be heading to the KHL to sign with CSKA. Ironically, earlier this weekend Jannik Hansen retired from professional hockey with his last season playing for CSKA, and the Canucks had acquired Goldobin from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Hansen.

Although at this moment, it’s just a rumour, Goldobin looking to find an opportunity somewhere else shouldn’t come as a shock. Goldobin started the season hot for the Canucks but fell out of the Canucks coaching staff good books due to lack of execution in the defensive zone. It led to quite a few healthy scratches throughout the season with Goldobin appearing to make strides defensively but then was being criticized for lack of production.

The Russian winger said all the right things at the season-ending press conference. Talking about how he had to come back next season and improve on all facets of his game and then work on getting a full-time role with the Canucks. But ultimately, he may decide that he has a better chance to be successful in the KHL.

If Goldobin does in fact head to the KHL and the Canucks qualify him, they will own his NHL rights until June 30, 2023, as he will be 27 at that time. He would become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, 2023 if he hadn’t signed a contract with the Canucks.