Report: Oilers sign Vladimir Tkachev to 3-year, entry-level contract
The Edmonton Oilers signed training camp invite Vladimir Tkachev to a three-year, entry-level contract and will be assigned to the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats, according to Marc Spector of Sportsnet.
The 18-year-old undrafted forward saw 17:16 of ice time during Monday's preseason win over the Winnipeg Jets, recording the primary assist on a first period goal scored by defenseman Mark Fayne. The point marked his third in exhibition play, all assists.
One teammate compared him to Ales Hemsky, a former Oiler who also boasts an impressive skill set.
#Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on Vladimir Tkachev: "He reminds me of Hemsky, the way he skates, and obviously his hands are pretty filthy."1/2
— John MacKinnon (@rjmackinnon) September 30, 2014
In 20 games with the Wildcats last season, Tkachev recorded 10 goals and 20 assists, with an additional seven goals and two assists in six playoff games.