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Vegas Golden Knights Forward Vadim Shipachyov Impresses at World Championships

By Richard Cardinale

COLOGNE, GERMANY - MAY 11: Vadim Shipachyov #87 of Russia challenges Morten Madsen of Denmark for the puck during the 2017 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship game between Russia and Denmark at Lanxess Arena on May 11, 2017 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images )
COLOGNE, GERMANY - MAY 11: Vadim Shipachyov #87 of Russia challenges Morten Madsen of Denmark for the puck during the 2017 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship game between Russia and Denmark at Lanxess Arena on May 11, 2017 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images ) /
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The Vegas Golden Knights may have something special with Vadim Shipachyov.

Vegas Golden Knights General Manager George McPhee deserves credit for taking over an expansion franchise. There’s no doubt that McPhee and his scouting staff are scouting players all around the world. He knows if he doesn’t succeed within the next five years, the blood will solely be on his hands.

But as of now, things look pretty solid in the McPhee era. A few weeks ago, the Golden Knights signed the Russian standout Vadim Shipachyov. The center was always known for his playmaking skill and the ability to make everyone around him look better.

At this year’s World Championship tournament, he certainly proved that. In 10 games played Shipachyov registered two goals, 11 assists, and 13 points. He finished sixth in scoring for the entire tournament.

Shipachyov looks like he may a hidden gem after all. During the tournament, nine of his 13 points came on the power play. The work that he puts in on the man advantage is something special. Golden Knights Head Coach Gerard Gallant would be wise to put him on the half wall on the first power play unit. He also may find his way in the number one center role as well.

The playmaker had his best game of the tournament against Italy when he racked up four assists, all coming on the power play. He just looked like a man possessed the entire tourney. Shipachyov has something to prove against the top players around the world, and that’s why he’s coming to the NHL to showcase his skills.

While Shipachyov’s contract may seem a bit hefty for the Golden Knights, they don’t have anyone on the current cap, so they afford it. McPhee and his scouting staff deserve some early praise for what kind of talent they can reel into Vegas. Not every top of the line free agent will come to Vegas, especially right out of the shoot. The plan still should be to build through the draft and accumulating a plethora of prospects.

Next: Vegas Golden Knights Name an AHL Affiliate

But as for Vadim Shipachyov, Golden Knights fans all over Sin City should be excited. He may very well be one of the Golden Knights best players in 2017-18. It may not be very long before we see Shipachyov jerseys all over T-Mobile Arena.

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