Even though the trading deadline passed with a thud, there are still plenty of storylines in Canucks nation. Yesterday, some current Canucks were named to the World Cup rosters, and today a future (probably) Canuck’s KHL season ended.

Nikita Tryamkin’s KHL team, Avtomobilist, was eliminated earlier today with a 5-2 loss to Metallurg MG. Avtomoblist had took a 2-0 lead early but were unable to handle the onslaught from Metallurg and gave up five straight goals. Former NHLers Alexander Semin and Wojtek Wolski both figured into the Metallurg offence today.

Doing his best Zdeno Chara impression positioned in front of the net on the PP,  Tryamkin did put up an assist in the deciding game today:

We all aren’t here for a KHL postgame, so let’s look at what this means for the Canucks. With his KHL season over, it’s likely that the Canucks want to get him signed as soon as possible and get him playing in Utica or possibly see a NHL game. Last month, there were reports that the Canucks intend on doing just that. Tryamkin is in the last year of his KHL contract, so this is the time to make the move over to North America.

From Tryamkin’s standpoint, it makes sense to make the move now. He would likely be able to secure a signing bonus, and add some more money through salary for the remainder of this season. Also, he would be able burn off that first year of the entry level contract.

From a Canucks standpoint, there really isn’t a reason not to sign him now. They currently have 45 contracts, so there is no issue with adding Tryamkin now, as it would still allow them to add a few NCAA free agents. It would also allow them to see how Tryamkin will handle an NHL game this season, and thus aid their planning for next season. They will also be able to add Tryamkin to the Utica roster for the Calder Cup Playoffs. For him to eligible for the AHL playoffs, he would need to sign an ATO.

Obviously, the Russian defenceman isn’t a ‘can’t miss’ prospect, but would be a very welcome addition to the Canucks current prospect pool. There has been improvement every year since the Canucks selected Tryamkin, with him posting new career highs in goals, assists, points, and PIMs this season

He averaged 17:41 of ice time per game during the regular season, and then averaged over 20 minutes per game during the playoffs. He skates very well for his size, and uses his size effectively.

Once his season is officially concluded, we will do a more in depth analysis of his season.

The Canucks do already have six defenceman penciled in (Edler, Tanev, Hutton, Sbisa, Biega, Larsen) and add Pedan, whom requires waivers next season. There is also the possibility of Dan Hamhuis coming back on a new contract. So it’s a little crowded. 

Given the financial implications, it’s fair to suggest that Tryamkin may be willing to play some of next season in the AHL, but would likely not want to play a full season or two there. He had expressed a desire to play in the NHL during draft interviews, so there shouldn’t be a huge concern about him coming over, but it might be something to watch for the Canucks this summer. As witnessed this season, the group they have isn’t good enough, so changes could be made and Tryamkin may be part of that change.

Since this article was posted, News 1130 tweeted out confirmation that the Canucks will try and sign Tryamkin. If he does sign, the intention is for Tryamkin to report to Vancouver: