Report: Golden Knights suspend Shipachyov for leaving AHL team

The Vegas Golden Knights have suspended Vadim Shipachyov for leaving AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels.

If Shipachyov isn't traded "as early as (Monday)," contract termination and a return to Russia could happen in short order, Engels adds.

The 30-year-old forward reported to the Wolves on Friday upon being assigned there, but apparently skipped Saturday's game and returned to Vegas to be with family.

Wolves general manager Wendell Young expected Shipachyov to play Saturday night, but the club didn't know where he was and only found out he wouldn't suit up about two hours before the game, according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Brian Sandalow.

Earlier this week, Engels reported that Shipachyov was willing to accept the demotion while his agent sought a trade. That came after the Golden Knights gave his representative permission to pursue a deal.

It's the second time this month Shipachyov has refused to play for the AHL club. He was first demoted shortly after the NHL season began, after which Golden Knights GM George McPhee said the player's agent was reassured the move wasn't performance-related.

Vegas signed Shipachyov to a two-year, $9-million contract in May. He spent nine seasons in the KHL, posting a career-high 26 goals and 76 points in 2016-17.