The Saint John Sea Dogs made a major trade on the eve of training camp.
The Russian has recorded 77 goals and 79 assists in 177 career QMJHL games over three seasons. Last year he registered 22 goals and 24 assists in 51 games on a very good Chicoutimi team.
The Sea Dogs announced Saturday the acquisition of overage import Vladislav Kotkov from the Chicoutimi Sagueneens in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft and a 10th-round choice in the 2022 draft. Both picks are conditional, meaning this deal could end up looking different down the road.
“Kotkov is an elite offensive weapon and has pro hockey camp and playing experience," said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie in a news release. "We think that he has the chance to be a very dominant player this season.
“He has been in the playoffs every season since he joined the league. Last season, he was an important part of a team that finished third in the overall standings and was poised for a run at the President Cup. If it wasn’t for the sudden cancellation of the season, his playoff totals would be much higher.”
The Russian has recorded 77 goals and 79 assists in 177 career QMJHL games over three seasons. Last year he registered 22 goals and 24 assists in 51 games on a very good Chicoutimi team.
Kotkov signed with the San Jose Sharks as a free agent in 2018. He appeared in one game with the AHL's San Jose Barracuda in 2018-19, recording a goal.
The move gives the Sea Dogs a significant jolt of offense - but it creates a number of questions as well. The Dogs made no mention of Kotkov's current location, so just getting him to Saint John may be an issue. The team also seemed to be set on the overage front with Liam Leonard, Matt Gould and Carmine-Anthony Pagliarulo. Gould, an American, faces travel issues. But, the overage situation may have a simple solution if the CHL moves to allow four 20-year-olds this season - which is apparently still a possibility.
Czech defenseman Jan Hampl was the lone import listed on the Sea Dogs' training camp roster. The team previously said that he and Gould "will attend camp, but will be joining at a later date."
QMJHL training camps begin on Sunday. Saint John's pre-season game is scheduled for Tuesday night at TD Station.
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