Detroit Red Wings

Former Red Wings player Evgeny Svechnikov Gets a New Team

Published

2 years ago

September 4, 2022

Evgeny Svechnikov, 25, is getting a third chance to make a first impression in an NHL uniform.

The San Jose Sharks signed him to a one year deal that pays him $750,000 if he sticks in the NHL and $350,000 if they send him to the American Hockey League. It’s similar to the deals that Detroit’s Steven Kampfer and Jussi Olkinuora have with the Detroit Red Wings.

According to CapFriendly.com, defenseman Kampfer receives $750,000 if he plays in Detroit and $300,000 if he lands in Grand Rapids. Meanwhile, goalie Olkinuora receives $750,000 in Detroit and $375,000 if he plays for the Griffins

Evgeny Svechnikov played well above replacement level last year including being the best RW for Connor and Dubois. He would cost little more than $1M at most for next year. Why would you throw away good cheap depth when good depth is already a big roster hole?? pic.twitter.com/vXjoqbx2uZ

— Bryan Johnston (@BryanJohnston18) July 11, 2022

Svechnikov, older brother to Carolina’s Andrei Svechnikov, wasn’t linked to any NHL free agent rumors until he recently switched to agent Dan Milstein.

Evgeny Svechnikov can play left or right wing. The Detroit Red Wings drafted the 6-foot-3 Russian 19th overall in 2015. His development in Detroit was undermined by multiple injuries. The Red Wings didn’t extend him a qualifying offer after the 2020-21 season. That opened the door for a fresh start with the Winnipeg Jets last season.

Wasn’t In Jets’ Plans

He produced seven goals and 19 points, but that wasn’t enough to earn a place in the Jets’ future plans. They didn’t make Svechnikov a qualifying offer, putting him in the unrestricted free agent pool.

With Mike Grier in place as a new general manager, the Sharks may be looking to do a reset on their roster. That could mean that the Sharks will give Svechnikov a true opportunity to show what he can do.

In Svechnikov’s 41 games in a Detroit uniform, he boasted a career 50.3 Corsi Rating. His Corsi was 48.8 last season with the Jets. When Svechnikov was drafted, the Red Wings hoped he would develop into a physical scoring winger. Today, he is viewed more as a middle six forward, a big body who can contribute secondary scoring. The Jets tried on a scoring line briefly last season.