According to Hockey News Hub, the San Jose Sharks are signing Russian forward prospect Yegor Afanasyev.
Afanasyev was acquired from the Nashville Predators before the 2024-25 NHL season. The Sharks traded 2020 first-round pick Ozzy Wiesblatt to acquire the 24-year-old.
Controversy surrounded Afanasyev last summer as the winger chose not to sign with the Sharks. As a restricted free agent, Afanasyev decided to return to Russia and play in the KHL for CSKA Moskva.
Afanasyev’s deal with CSKA was reportedly set for three years. If the report of him singing with the San Jose Sharks this summer is true, he will forego the final two years of his KHL contract.
In 53 games in the KHL this season, Afanasyev scored seven goals and 14 assists. The 6’3″, 203 lb forward has played 19 NHL games for the Predators and scored one goal.
His last NHL game was on February 15, 2024, against the Dallas Stars. Across his 19 NHL games, the winger averaged 11:04 time on ice per game. In his career, Afanasyev has never faced the San Jose Sharks.
The Sharks have not officially announced the signing of Afanasyev.
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