According to a Russian report (proceed with caution) by NHL.com’s Pavel Lysenkov, the Washington Capitals have signed KHL forward Sergei Shumakov to a one-year contract worth $925k.
Shumakov, a right-handed shooting left wing formerly with CSKA Moscow, finished 18th in KHL points last season, tallying 40 points (17 goals and 23 assists) in 47 games.
Сергей Шумаков подписал контракт с «Вашингтоном». Двусторонний договор новичка – 0,925 тыс за один сезон.
— Павел Лысенков (@plysenkovRUS) August 28, 2018
Lysenkov’s tweet reads “Sergei Shumakov signed a contract with ‘Washington’. The two-way contract of the newcomer is $925k for one season.”
Shumakov’s availability, and Washington’s interest, first became known Monday in a tweet by Russian reporter Igor Eronko.
Sergei Shumakov, now free agent after contract termination, is looking for a deal in the NHL. Last season he scored 40 (17+23) points in 47 KHL games for CSKA with 15 min ATOI
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) August 27, 2018
He's a RH LW. Caps are possible
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) August 27, 2018
Shumakov was holding out and not attending CSKA’s training camp, in an attempt to get out of his contract.
#KHL, #NHL: The New York Rangers are reportedly interested in signing F Sergei Shumakov, if he can get out of his contract with CSKA Moscow. Shumakov is currently holding out from CSKA, and is not attending their training camp. (1/2) https://t.co/xiVMF17txe
— Patrick C (@ChunkletsHockey) August 1, 2018
#KHL: Shumakov is still under contract to CSKA, however, and trade talks have apparently been held with SKA and Salavat Yulaev. SKA reportedly offered Sergei Kalinin, but CSKA want Nikita Gusev. CSKA are asking for Vladimir E. Tkachyov from Salavat Yulaev. (2/2)
— Patrick C (@ChunkletsHockey) August 1, 2018
After failing to find a trade partner, CSKA released the 25-year-old Shuamkov, making him a free agent on Monday. That’s when the Capitals swooped in and the two parties reportedly agreed to terms.
If confirmed, the signing will give the Capitals another talented winger to their already deep forward ranks. Shumakov is a crafty stickhandler and goal-scorer.
Shumakov has scored a lacrosse-style goal in the KHL.
The question, like with most Russian forwards who play on a bigger ice surface, will be if Shumakov’s game translates to the NHL. But Shumakov has been consistent at the KHL level, averaging .51 points per game during his 282 contests in the KHL.
The Capitals, according to Cap Friendly, had $1.1 million of cap space available before the reported signing.
12:35 PM update: Asked to confirm or deny the signing, a Capitals representative said that the team had no comment.
3:05 PM update: CapFriendly is reporting that the deal is an entry-level contract.
Signed to Entry-Level Contract
Sergei Shumakov (RW) | WSH#ALLCAPShttps://t.co/Py2bZNa8j0— CapFriendly Transactions (@CF_Transactions) August 28, 2018
4 PM update: Sergei Shumakov’s agent has responded to news of Lysenkov’s report with this craftily worded response, per Aivis Kalnins.
Agent Shumi Babaev – 'To sign a contract, you need a contract offer either verbal or in a written form, we haven't received one from the Washington Capitals..''
— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) August 28, 2018
Shumakov’s agent added to Sport-Express, “I do not hide that I’m currently in contact with several NHL clubs regarding the future of Shumakov.”
