Report: Slepyshev Leaving KHL For Oilers

Dec 31, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers starting lineup prior to the game against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Kontinental Hockey League could see another one of their players leave for North America or another hockey league in the near future. KHL reporter Igor Eronko tweeted that Anton Slepyshev signed an entry level contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

The report has not been officially confirmed by the Oilers or Slepyshev’s KHL team, but Eronko also tweeted that Slepyshev’s agent confirmed the deal.

It is believed that Anton Slepyshev will play for the Oilers AHL team, the Bakersfield Condors, next year. Slepyshev, only 21, has not played in North America even before being drafted to the Edmonton Oilers in the 3rd round of the 2013 draft. A year in the AHL will give Slepyshev time to ease into the faster paced North American play, as well as the smaller ice.

Slepyshev plays a strong offensive style of game. He has surprisingly quick and deceptive movements in his game despite his bigger frame.  What is also surprising about Slepyshev is he lacks a strong physical game even though he has the big body for it. This also adds more incentive to put Slepyshev in the AHL for a year to develop a physical game before exposing him to the NHL.

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