Good - hopefully he gets some callups to KHL.
Doesnt't sound much different than playing in the AHL and getting an NHL call-up. Just like Casey, Misyul, Vilen, DeSimone/Hatakka.
Everyone on this site keeps saying the Comets have no more room for D-men. That's absolutely false.
Currently signed:
Misyul
Vilen
Casey
Diotte
White
Hatakka/DeSimone
If NJ keeps 8 D-men one of these last 2 goes on the NJ roster. If they only keep 7, both will have to squeeze through waivers. If called up, they would have to clear again if/when sent back down and that would be a tougher squeeze than at the end of training camp when every team is doing the same in order to meet the maximum roster number.
Russo and Wotherspoon have gone to greener pastures. Those listed above are it and Diotte hasn't shown he deserves a top six slot right from the get go.
Anyone under the impression that van de Leest is a Comet are likely mistaken. He can't skate at this level and is little more than an emergency call-up.
Will MacKinnon was the best fill-in they brought in last season, but there are better D-men available at this level than him. Nepotism should not have an influence when deciding who actually PLAYS here. It would be very interesting to make a comparison if both are at the Devils camp. That of course would be determined by what Karpovich does between now and then in relation to a contract in Russia. If he signs there, this issue is moot.
Micahael Vukojevic was not tendered a QO and is a UFA. I think the Devils are cutting ties with him. He was never a regular in the Comets' top 6. MacKinnon played ahead of him
The Comets will need to have at least 8 D on their active roster.