Shipachyov retires from NHL
Vadim Shipachyov is no longer a member of the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Russian forward's retirement papers were signed and processed by the NHL and the players' association Thursday, ending his brief relationship with the expansion club, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
Golden Knights general manager George McPhee confirmed the development to NHL.com correspondent Danny Webster.
McPhee: Vadim Shipachyov has voluntarily retired from the NHL and can return to the KHL with the Golden Knights’ consent. He didn’t want to play in the AHL, nor be traded. Wanted to go home. Contract off the books.
— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) November 9, 2017
McPhee revealed that the Golden Knights had a trade in place, but Shipachyov didn't want to be dealt to another franchise.
"We wanted to work with him, but he wanted to go home," McPhee continued. "He needed to play. Everyone here was playing better than he was. He needed to play and we were willing to have him play in (AHL) Chicago."
McPhee said he didn't consider the signing a failure, and confirmed the team will recoup a prorated amount of Shipachyov's $2-million signing bonus.
Vegas will hold Shipachyov's NHL rights until he's 35, and the two-year, $9-million deal he signed with the club this past offseason is null and void.
He scored one goal in three games with the Golden Knights and is now free to pursue opportunities in the KHL.