Canucks sign Shirokov

[bengino]

VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Canucks signed right-winger Sergei Shirokov to an NHL contract Monday.

Shirokov, 23, had 17 goals and 41 points in 56 games with CSKA Moscow of the KHL in 2008-09. He has also played in two world junior championships with Russia in 2005 and 2006. In 12 tournament games he had seven goals and six assists.

Shirokov, a five-foot-10, 176-pound native of Moscow, was selected 163rd overall by the Canucks in the 2006 NHL draft.

[peacemaker]

He's going to be in tough to grab a spot, as he has Grabner, Raymond and Hansen to fight it out with (Along with Cody Hodgson to some degree as the 'Nucks woun't want to have too many young inexpereinced guys playing a significant role)...
But this is a significant signing for the Nucks.
He led his team in scoring, beating Oleg Saprykin, a former NHL'er and 1st round pick.

He may need to spend time in the AHL for a bit. But it is not out of the question at all to expect him to put up 40-60 (depending on ice time) points in the NHL this yr.

[Ciccarelli]

Nice addition for the Canucks. It's going to be interesting how Shirokov reacts on playing in NA, very skilled guy but also kind of small for the NHL, but the Canucks have been lucky in the past already with guys like that.

[Gunslinger]

Any 'Nucks fans think he may be a guy who if he does'nt get his way will try to hold the team hostage by always threatining to return home to the 'K?

[stevecanuck16]

Originally Posted by Gunslinger

Any 'Nucks fans think he may be a guy who if he does'nt get his way will try to hold the team hostage by always threatining to return home to the 'K?

Yup, there's always that fear. Here's hoping he proves it wrong.

[Gunslinger]

Actually its a sad commentary on the current state of affairs when such a concern even enters the equation. It seems like everytime a Russian player signs with an NHL team(especially a player who is new to the NHL)this question rears its ugly head and thats unfortunate. It may be a "brave new world" but that does'nt mean its better. I guess I'm getting old because I can remember when they(all atheletes)played for the love of the game, not for the love of a dollar.

[Ciccarelli]

Originally Posted by Gunslinger

Any 'Nucks fans think he may be a guy who if he does'nt get his way will try to hold the team hostage by always threatining to return home to the 'K?

I think with guys like him, who are crossing the pond later on at an age where they are probably more convinced to play in NA the fear that he returns home once it doesn't work out well for him is less.
He has played already for 2-3-4 seasons in the russian elite league, and he has decided to come to Vancouver now to give it a serious try. I think the situation is different then when drafted 18-19-20 year old guys come over to NA even before they proved themselves as serious pros.

[GIANTSFAN]

Originally Posted by Ciccarelli

Nice addition for the Canucks. It's going to be interesting how Shirokov reacts on playing in NA, very skilled guy but also kind of small for the NHL, but the Canucks have been lucky in the past already with guys like that.

Not exactly, remember Steve Kariya?

I think this is a guy who will earn a spot over Hansen, Raymond & will be on the 1st line by the end of the season. Wait, there is no 1st line.

[peacemaker]

I was afraid of him holding us hostage come contract time...

I think by the time the time for a contract re-up comes along (2 years) there will be some type of working agreement b/w the IIHF, KHL and NHL. As it stands, I don't think anyone is happy with players being able to use the threat of going to another league as a contract ploy...

This kid had to endure a pretty big legal battle to get to Vancouver/the NHL. He clearly wanted to play here and at much risk to himself (he could have really been screwed if he wasn't allowed to play here).

He is suspended for 1 year by the KHL because he refused to play there (even though he's a free agent).

Sounds like Gillis expects him to play some in Manitoba originally and earn his way up to the bigs. Gillis also said that he is larger than his 5'10 and 180 pound listed height and weight. Not sure what to make of this but he says he already has the skills to play in the NHL, but it will be his conditioning that needs to get up to snuff.

It may be because of his legal battle he wasn't able to train with his team over there???

If he looks like a legit prospect who can play this year, at a high level, one of our younger forwards, likely Grabner or Raymond will be moved for a d-man. Schneider is still almost assuredly going to be moved, as Gillis stated that he expects to announce Louie's re-signing before training camp.