Boston Bruins: Alexander Khokhlachev Likely to Return to KHL
By Kyle Higgins
Boston Bruins: Alexander Khokhlachev Likely to Return to KHL If His NHL Rights Are Not Traded
Bruins prospect Alexander Khokhlachev looks to be heading back to KHL. It seemed as though the writing was on the wall as both Khokhlachev and his agent continually voiced their displeasure with the way his time in the Bruins organization has been handled. And now it looks as though he has spent his last year with the organization.
While he has been a solid producer at the AHL level for Providence, 68 points in 60 games this season, he has not been able to turn that into any sort of impact at the NHL level. In the few chances he’s gotten as he sits with 0 points and a minus-4 rating in nine games with the big club.
More from Bruins News
- Bruins release Prospects Challenge roster, schedule Tuesday
- Bruins bringing back familiar forward on tryout contract
- The Bruins should take a look at these four free agents
- NHL Network lists Ullmark as sixth-best goalie in the league
- The Lasting Legacy of David Krejci
Khokhlachev’s agent, Alexei Dementiev, had this to say about the situation:
"“Alexander did not really get a chance for all the years that he signed a deal, for four years, the deals he signed with Boston, didn’t really get a chance to play in the National Hockey League, so he won’t stay in the organization,” – Alexei Dementiev"
GM Don Sweeney also confirmed that there had been multiple trade requests made by Khokhlachev’s camp, but a deal was never found. It is also worth adding that it seems Khokhlachev’s first interest is to play in the NHL, but it’s clear he doesn’t want that to be in the Bruins organization.
Next: Boston Bruins: Blueline Band-Aid Needed
Khokhlachev is set to become a restricted free agent with the Bruins still holding his rights. Should he express interest in remaining in North America to play it would be a good idea for the Bruins to try to move his negotiation rights if possible rather than watching him leave for Russia for nothing. It’s not likely to bring very much, but something is better than nothing.