KHL forward Sergei Plotnikov is coming to the NHL after signing an entry-level deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 1. There’s perennial doubt about how long any player from the KHL is going to stay in the NHL, so many GMs approach these deals with some trepidation, but Penguins GM Jim Rutherford doesn’t believe it’ll be a problem with Plotnikov.
Talking about Plotnikov, Rutherford told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that Plotnikov is excited to start his NHL career and is planning on being in Pittsburgh for training as early as August.
He also mentioned that Plotnikov paid the $500,000 fee to get out of his KHL contract with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl himself.
From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review piece:
[Rutherford said,] “Some of the things he’s done speak volumes of his character.”
For example, Rutherford said, Plotnikov, 25, footed the $500,000 bill to terminate his Kontinental Hockey League contract.
“Not many guys would do that,” Rutherford said.
The 25-year-old forward has played in the KHL for the last six years and has represented Russia internationally.
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