Predators' Sign Vitali Pinchuk To Entry-Level Contract

Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz announced Monday that they have signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year, entry-level contract.

Pinchuk was the most sought-after free agent in Europe this spring, with reports suggesting that as many as 29 NHL teams reached out to his camp following a historic breakout season in the KHL.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 203 pounds, the Zhlobin native used his massive frame and elite vision to rack up 31 goals and 35 assists for 66 points in 65 games with Dinamo Minsk. He sat third in the KHL with goals and sixth league wide for points. Pinchuk set career highs across the table. He carried that momentum into the postseason, pacing Minsk with 7 points in 8 games to lead them into the second round.

Pinchuk season included 18 multi-point games, a four-point explosion against Traktor Chelyabinsk on Jan. 4, and his first career hat trick in September.

Pinchuk has previous experience on North American ice, having spent the 2019-20 season with the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL), posting 34 points (13g-21a) in 54 games. While he went undrafted following that stint, his development over four full seasons in Minsk has transformed him into a legitimate NHL middle-six candidate.