Vancouver Canucks Sign Nikita Tryamkin to Entry-Level Contract

The Vancouver Canucks and Nikita Tryamkin came to terms on an entry-level contract Tuesday, agreeing to a two-year pact valued at $1.85-million. Canucks general manager Jim Benning encountered paperwork hurdles to make the contract come to life but it appears as though it’s just a matter of time before the towering Russian defender makes his Canucks debut.

Canucks fans were right to expect this move. Tryamkin’s KHL franchise, Yekaterinburg Avtomobilist, bid him farewell no less than three days ago, amid speculation of a cross-Atlantic transfer. Realistically, the clock began to tick on this move upon the completion of Avtomobilist’s season, two days prior to their parting message. 

Aside from the logistical hurdles present in attracting a Russian player midway through the season, the Canucks had to shift salary and move players to the LTIR to accommodate such a move. Specifically, they moved Alex Edler (broken leg) to LTIR. 

Tryamkin’s contract comes with a Russian “out-clause” that allows for a return to the KHL, should he not crack the Canucks roster and be assigned to the AHL. Although it’s a two-year contract, the remainder of this season will count as a whole. Tryamkin will enter restricted free agency – barring an extension – next summer.