Free Agent Evgeny Svechnikov has switched agents to Dan Milstein. Kevin Weekes tweeted the switch in representation on Tuesday.
-
Evgeny Svechnikov, older brother of Carolina Hurricanes' star forward Andrei Svechnikov, is clearly unhappy with the progress of contract negotiations with various teams. He was not extended a qualifying offer by the Winnipeg Jets in July, making him a free agent.
Svechnikov played his first "full" season in the NHL last year - playing 72 games with the Jets. He notched 7 goals and 12 assists for 19 points (all career highs). He played mostly a depth role with the club. The former first round pick (Detroit in 2015, 19th overall), has spent much of his 5 pro years jumping between the AHL and NHL.
Svechnikov is coming off a 1-year, $750k deal with the Jets. Despite posting career highs in nearly all categories, he remains one of the "bargain" free agents left on the UFA market. Svechnikov is primarily a depth winger, but has been known to move up the lineup and even onto a power play unit with his top-end offensive skill.
As we head into the dying weeks of summer break, Svechnikov is clearly eager to sign a contract before the beginning of NHL training camps in September. He would obviously prefer a one-way deal, but at this point, such a deal may be unlikely. Furthermore, some have speculated that he would love to play with his brother Andrei in Carolina. Time will tell if a deal can be done with that club, or with any NHL team. The 25-year-old may need to regress back to the AHL to get significant playing time and further develop.
