Former Canucks defenseman set to make his return to the NHL

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Felip Gosselin
February 4, 2023 (10:59)

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The Vancouver Canucks drafted a giant-sized defenseman all the way back in 2014. 6'8'' and 250 pounds is what they had when they selected Nikita Tryamkin in the third round.

Tryamkin crossed the ocean in 2016 and took the opportunity the Canucks had given him. Unfortunately, it didn't work as planned and after managing 9 points in 66 games, he went back in the KHL.

Rick Dhaliwal made an intriguing statement after a conversation he had with the agent of Tryamkin who's set to turn 29 in August:

"There will be a tremendous demand for Nikita. Nikita has turned down a contract extension from his KHL club. He is currently focused on the KHL season, then we will turn our focus to the NHL. Vancouver's exclusivity is no longer a factor."

Known to be a colossal defensive defenceman, there could definitely be interest for him. If he doesn't set his price too high he could certainly turn out to be a steal. Once his KHL contract comes to an end he'll be eligible to sign an NHL contract just like Andrei Kuzmenko did last year.

Could the Canucks be interested? Tryamkin is a left-handed shot and could fill the third pairing spot behind Quinn Hughes and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, as part of their retooling process then move him at the deadline.