The Leafs announced today that they have signed Russian forward Nikita Shoshnikov to a three-year entry level contract.
Soshnikov, 21, had 32 (14 goals, 18 assists) points in 57 games for the KHL's Moscow Oblast Atlant this season to go with 22 penalty minutes. All 14 of Soshnikov's goals were at even strength. He finished fourth in the KHL in U24 scoring.
As a rookie in the KHL, Soshnikov finished fourth in points and second in shots (139) for Moscow. He also finished third among all KHL rookies in scoring.
Soshnikov is a 5'11" left-handed shot up front and weighs 185 Ibs.
Prior to entering the KHL, Soshnikov led his MHL junior team, Atlanty Mytishchi, in scoring with 72 points in 59 games in 2013.
Here's Soshnikov's comments:
#TML newcomer Nikita Soshnikov to TASS: '#Leafs made an offer a month ago. It's been a longstanding dream to get to the #NHL so I accepted'
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) March 21, 2015
More Soshnikov: 'I could stay in the #KHL for another year, but #TML are going to rebuild so there's a good chance to make the roster'
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) March 21, 2015
More Soshnikov: 'There was an interest from other #NHL teams, but #TML were the most certain. I'm ready to play in the #AHL if it's needed'
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) March 21, 2015
Check out Soshnikov's first KHL goal:
And another goal:
And watch this impressive highlight pack from a game earlier this year where he puts on a clinic:
