Nikolai Prokhorkin’s long-awaited debut in North America didn’t bring the results he or the Kings were hoping for. As a result, it appears that he may be heading back home. After SKA St. Petersburg announced that they’ve moved Prokhorkin’s KHL rights to Metallurg Magnitogorsk, John Hoven of Mayor’s Manor notes (Twitter link) that the winger is in talks on a two-year deal with his new KHL squad.
The 26-year-old played in 43 games with Los Angeles this season but was mired in a bottom-six role for most of the year. As a result, he wound up with just four goals and ten assists on the season while averaging 12:06 per night. That’s a significant dip offensively after being a point per game player with St. Petersburg the year before. He also picked up a pair of assists in four games with AHL Ontario, their minor league affiliate.
Prokhorkin is eligible for restricted free agency this offseason but will not have salary arbitration eligibility. A deal in Russia would take him past the NHL UFA age of 27 which means that the Kings would no longer hold his rights when that contract expires.
Today’s activity from SKA is notable as they picked up the rights to Avalanche winger Vladislav Kamenev and Predators center Yakov Trenin as part of that swap. Both players will likely be part of their teams’ expanded rosters for the postseason which could delay any talks about luring them back overseas but this will be something to keep an eye on in the weeks ahead.
I wish he would have played to his potential this year. He could have made a huge impact. Kings will be back soon. Hopefully……… I know. Wishful thinking.