The Predators‘ second round pick of the 2014 Draft just put pen to paper on a deal to ensure he’s part of the plan moving forward. The team announced that Vladislav Kamenev has inked his ELC, and will likely start his North American career and begin his trek to Nashville’s roster.
Much is expected of this young man, mostly thanks to some high praise from analysts like Craig Button among others.
(His praise of Kamenev starts at 4:43)
David Poile has already hinted that Kamenev will start this year in Milwaukee. Anything would be an improvement over the 4th line minutes he played last year in the KHL. And much like the parent club, the Admirals have skill on the wings for him to work with.
Here’s the release from the folks at 501:
Nashville, Tenn. (July 10, 2015) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced Friday that the team has signed forward Vladislav Kamenev (vla-dih-SLAHV KA-men-ehv) to a three-year entry-level contract. Nashville’s second choice, 42nd overall (second round), in the 2014 Entry Draft is expected to play his first season in North America in 2015-16.
Kamenev, 18 (8/12/96), ranked third among Kontinental Hockey League junior players in goals (6) and tied for fourth in points (10) with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in 2014-15. The Orsk, Russia native also helped his homeland earn a silver medal at the 2015 World Junior Championship, tying for second on the team in assists (3) in the process.
In his draft year, the 6-3, 182-pound left wing helped Magnitogorsk win the 2014 Gagarin Cup Championship and captained Russia at the 2014 Under-18 World Championship, tying for sixth in tournament assists, and for seventh in points (2g-5a-7pts). Kamenev also ranked third in assists (6), and tied for fourth in points (7) at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge, helping Russia to a silver medal, and suited up for all four of Russia’s games at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Tournament.
He is currently attending 2015 Nashville Predators Development Camp presented by Holiday Inn Express and Suites of Antioch, which concludes Saturday with a scrimmage, open house, and used equipment sale at Ford Ice Center.
Thoughts?