All the Buffalo Sabres can breathe now, the Viktor Antipin saga is over. After a long courtship, the team has finally announced the signing of the Russian defenseman to a one-year entry-level contract. The short term is due to his age; at 24, Antipin was only eligible for a one-year entry-level deal, and will become a restricted free agent next summer.
New Sabres’ GM Jason Botterill released a statement on why they though Antipin was a fit in Buffalo:
Victor is a well-rounded defenseman who has played in all situations at the pro level. His mobility and puck-moving skills make him a perfect match for what we’re hoping to build with our defense corps next season.
The mobility that Botterill mentions was on display at the recent World Championships, where Antipin recorded four assists and was one of Russia’s better defenders. His size is the biggest issue he’ll face in the NHL, as though the Sabres list him as 5’11” 179-lbs in their press release, the IIHF had him at just 5’9″ during the tournament. Either way, he’ll never compete with some of the bigger NHL players physically, but has never let his disadvantage slow him down in the KHL. During his six seasons there—he broke into the professional ranks at 18—he’s put up strong offensive numbers and been relatively healthy. Despite his team, Magnitigorsk, losing in the finals this season to SKA St. Petersburg, Antipin was named the best defenseman of the championship series. His seven playoff goals were the most from any defender.
For Buffalo, signing Antipin gives them another option on the blueline next year to build around. Along with Rasmus Ristolainen, Jake McCabe and Zach Bogosian, the team is looking to get younger and more mobile. Brendan Guhle will likely play a part at some point, while Devante Stephens could impress and make a case for himself during the year. With Dmitry Kulikov and Cody Franson likely on their way out in free agency, it will be a new-look blueline to be sure at the start of 2017-18.