Via Alessandro Rosso:
Metallurg Magnitogorsk released Vladislav Kamenev #Preds #Nashville #Predators
— AlessandroSerenRosso (@AlexSerenRosso) April 30, 2015
Press Release by Metallurg Magnitogorsk:
Magnitogorsk hockey club “Metallurg,” by mutual agreement of both parties, terminated the contracts with forwards Tim Brent and Vladislav Kamenev.
This really makes you wonder whether or not Vladislav Kamenev will play in the AHL if he does not make it to the NHL. His general manager had stated that he will return to Metallurg if he does not make the Predators‘ roster out of training camp, but this new development has left that open for question. “Terminate” is a finite word and he isn’t even on their roster page anymore, so is he done playing in the KHL?
Whether or not that is the case is something we will have to wait to find out until after the preseason, barring more news on this subject. Though, he’s going to have his work cut out to rise above the many forward prospects Nashville will have trying to make it to the NHL next season.
If Kamenev does not make it to the NHL, the AHL could be the right move for his development. He would be able to learn the English language before he makes the jump to the majors, and he would be surrounded by some of his future teammates. Both things would make his eventual adaptation to the NHL much easier.
The biggest thing would be his development on the ice. Unlike in the KHL, Kamenev would be in a top six role playing a ton of minutes, he would be play in all situations, and he would be able to adapt to the North American style of play. From what I understand, in Magnitigorsk he is usually a defensive guy and takes a lot of draws. He doesn’t get a whole lot of time on the powerplay or even on the ice in general—logging and average of only 9:38 TOI last season.
On the flip side, you couldn’t blame the young Russian if he goes back to his home club instead of playing in the AHL, because it’s probably a much more comfortable environment for him to develop in. Kamenev would likely be looking at more playing time in more situations next season than last and he will also be returning under Head Coach Mike Keenan who knows a thing or two about what it takes to play at the NHL level.
This development has left more questions than answers for Predators fans, and we will have to wait and see as to whether or not Vladislav Kamenev decides to stay in North America next season. Either way, playing an NHL preseason (on North American ice with his future teammates) will be a great learning experience for young Kamenev.
Edit: It could also be that the contract was terminated so he could sign a contract with Nashville. In most other leagues, the players are allowed to have a contract with their NHL team, as well, but