Rumor: Nikolai Makarov to sign 2 year ELC? (update: nope. Re-signs in Russia)

[CBJWerenski8]

Report: CSKA’s Nikolai Makarov Intends to Sign with Blue Jackets, Eyes NHL Breakthrough

CSKA defenseman Nikolai Makarov, 22, is heading to the NHL with Columbus after leaving Russia to chase his dream

rg.org

 

[Xoggz22]

I've liked this kid since his draft year. I hope this is true. Can't have enough options on the back end.

 

[stevo61]

It's a shame he went from 6'4" 235lbs to 6'1" 195lbs but hopefully he becomes a solid defensive option someday

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Most interesting thing to see is if this signing comes with any KHL-AHL out clause. Because I highly doubt (but it’s not atypical) Waddell promised him an NHL spot. Guess we’ll see

 

[VT]

I liked him in final when CSKA won Gagarin Cup. Very good moving, play at the boards, defense. But then I didn't watch him and don't know why he didn't play in the KHL too much. Strange CSKA didn't trade him. We will see I hope he can be a good NHL player.

 

[stevo61]

Most interesting thing to see is if this signing comes with any KHL-AHL out clause. Because I highly doubt (but it’s not atypical) Waddell promised him an NHL spot. Guess we’ll see

For a guy who spent most of the year in the VHL? I doubt it

 

[VT]

For a guy who spent most of the year in the VHL? I doubt it

I was expecting CSKA trade him to another team but they kept him anyway although he mostly played in the VHL. I think Makarov wants to leave CSKA and since he is RFA , he can't go to another KHL team without CSKA's permission. That's why he has signed here.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

It’s now been a few weeks and we’ve had no official confirmation of this signing or any word of this from anyone local or reputable. Wonder if this is actually happening or if the reporter jumped the shark

 

[Theo Von]

It’s now been a few weeks and we’ve had no official confirmation of this signing or any word of this from anyone local or reputable. Wonder if this is actually happening or if the reporter jumped the shark

really hope it’s happening because I think i’ve been more high on him than anyone else in our community.

 

[Xoggz22]

really hope it’s happening because I think i’ve been more high on him than anyone else in our community.

Not sure about that. I had him as a favorite with Richard since being drafted.

 

[AndBoomGoesTheCannon]

Extended with CSKA for the next season.

Posted in prospects forum

 

[majormajor]

Cleveland is crowded with LD so it might be for the best for Makarov to stay in Russia. He hasn't made KHL full time yet so there's plenty for him to prove over there.

 

[majormajor]

Cleveland is crowded with LD so it might be for the best for Makarov to stay in Russia. He hasn't made KHL full time yet so there's plenty for him to prove over there.

Just to remind folks, we have the following LD in Cleveland

Daemon Hunt
Guillaume Richard
Stanislav Svozil

(All are borderline NHL ready and one might move up to the NHL next year)

Ole Bjorgvik-Holm
Samuel Knazko

Makarov probably comes in the bottom group right now and won't be put in the best development situations. It's better if he wins the fight for KHL ice time and develops there, then comes over. We don't have to use a contract on him or start the contract clock that could lead to a waiver claim. We own his NHL rights in perpetuity.

 

[CBJx614]

For the record what I saw was it was only a 1 yr extension. So it's not like he's tied up long term in the KHL