Hurricanes Elite Prospect Trikozov Terminates KHL Contract, Signs ELC

He was a steal of a pick in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft and now, after just a two-year wait, the Carolina Hurricanes have been able to sign Russian Gleb Trikozov to his first NHL contract.

#Canes have signed Gleb Trikozov to a three-year, entry-level contract starting next season. 60th overall pick in 2022 #CauseChaos

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) April 6, 2024

The three-year, entry-level deal brings Trikozov to North America sooner than expected, as his contract was just terminated in Russia, paving the way for the
ELC signing. 

Gleb Trikozov has terminated his contract in the KHL, which paves the way for a move to North America this summer. He had 23 goals and 16 assists in 49 games between the VHL and Russian juniors.

A look at his skillset⬇️ Great bag of tricks and hustle.pic.twitter.com/64UJNonvIo

— Alex Ohári 🔴⚫️ (@FutureCanes) April 6, 2024

Trikozov had a tremendous year in Russian major junior hockey in 2021-22, racking up 23 goals and 45 points in 35 games, making him a highly-rated prospect coming into the 2022 NHL draft, in fact, rated as high as No. 8, with the consensus in the 20s. But his ties and obligations to Russia soured many teams on him and Trikozov slid down the draft board, with the Hurricanes able to scoop him up in the late second round with the 60th overall selection. 

One scouting report at the time of the Draft called the young Russian "A talented winger. He displays great individual skills and creativity with the puck to often beat opponents one-on-one. He can create for himself with his skill while also showing great vision..."

It was the Canes who showed great vision in nabbing him, and now they'll be able to reap the benefits, starting next season.

Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports