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Buchnevich Inks His Entry-Level Contract with Rangers |
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He's here (or at least will be this season). What was rumored earlier in the week is now a reality, as Pavel Buchnevich signed a three-year entry-level contact worth $925k per year. Incentive clauses were not disclosed but there certainly has to be some, possibly in line with what Kevin Hayes received in his deal, where he earned $2.8 million for the 2014-15 season. Friday the 13th has turned into a scream for the Rangers, but that screaming is of joy not fear as the team's best offensive prospect is now under contract.
As I wrote the other day, Buchnevich, the Rangers' third-round pick - 85th overall - in the 2013 draft, a pick that came over in the Rick Nash trade, was expected to be signed, sealed and delivered to New York by the weekend. Buchnevich, who recorded 16 goals and 37 points this season in the KHL while playing with Cherepovets and St. Petersburg, plans to spend as much of the summer as possible, coming over June 15, training in New York in order to become acclimated to his surroundings, which also should include learning English. As our conversations still focus on who the Rangers could sign, don't be surprised if they add someone to the roster who could help accelerate Buchnevich's transition, whether that is in the NHL or AHL. By doing so, they provide a safety net to help the adjustment of the 21-year old winger. But, that signing shouldn't come at the expense of adding quality and depth to the roster. Plus, Chris Kreider, who knows Russian, could serve as a liaison as needed.
Buchnevich’s skill set to that owned by Washington’s Evgeny Kuznetsov. In other words, a potential impact player. The hope is that Buch will play well enough in camp to be a top-six, which is the role he wants to play and why he is coming over, or top-nine winger; the latter would ease his transition and avoid heaping too much responsibility and pressure on him too soon. Buch might also benefit from time at Hartford, the decision of whee he ends up to be decided in camp. In addition, it took Kuz time to be he dominant player he had become, so I recommend patience with Buch if it takes him to adapt to North America and the NHL.
That said, ecstatic to hear that Buchnevich is on his way to NY. GM Jeff Gorton still has plenty of difficult devil a go make this offseason. But he is off to a good start overall, locking up Antti Raanta for two years at $1mil per and getting Buchnevich to ink an ELC, ending the speculation that he would remain in the KHL.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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