Is Ivan Morozov out the door?
Ivan Morozov, a Vegas Golden Knights prospect, has signed a two-year contract extension with Spartak Moskva. Here’s what that means for the former Henderson Silver Knights standout.
On Monday, the Vegas Golden Knights received some terrible news: one of their prospects signed a two-year agreement elsewhere. The player in question, Ivan Morozov, has decided to extend his contract with Spartak Moskva for another two years. The Henderson Silver Knights standout was originally taken with the 61st pick in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft before being loaned to Spartak this season.
This season, he got 38 points in 37 KHL games. Overall, he has 34 goals and 53 assists in seven seasons in the league. The KHL extension is terrible for the Golden Knights, who require as much forward skill as possible.
With the loss of up to five attacking players to free agency, the restricted free agent is likely to leave the club. This will most certainly contribute to the organization’s talent exodus, which began in July. But is there a way to keep the Russian moving forward, or is this it for the prospect?
Ivan Morozov is likely to continue with Spartak Moskva.
Ivan Morozov is another classic two-way player in the Vegas Golden Knights organisation. He skates exceptionally well and has excellent puck control. He was chosen because of his offensive abilities, which included a good scoring touch and delicate hands. So, how did he do in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights?
Morozov enjoyed a successful season with Henderson in 2022-23. He had six goals and seventeen points in 58 games. However, he has had better tenures at Spartak Moskva, which is why he was extended in the first place. As a result, it comes to reason that he will stay in the KHL, even if the Golden Knights extend an offer sheet. Even with a matching offer, he has demonstrated his worth on a loan in his native Russia.
What the Vegas Golden Knights might miss with Morozov
Aside from his offensive abilities, Ivan Morozov is very effective in the neutral zone. Here, he exploits his pace for a variety of purposes, including creating rushes and catching opponents on defence. He’s also a good fit for special teams, where he can help with penalty killing and the power play.
But let’s get back to his hockey intellect, which allows him to create anything out of thin air. Morozov will provide Spartak Moskva with a more dynamic offence, whether he pickpockets an incoming player or enters the game unexpectedly. The Vegas Golden Knights are unlikely to have that in their system, which will hurt them.
Overall, the former Henderson Silver Knights star has offensive brilliance that is aided by his speed and skating abilities. The KHL is predicated on speed and agility, which will suit Ivan Morozov wonderfully. Another player potentially leaving will be detrimental to a Golden Knights club that desperately needs forward talent.