REPORT: Top KHL defensman tears up contract to join Sabres

Despite not having a general manager or a head coach, the Buffalo Sabres offseason game plan rolls on. Team owner Terry Pegula is calling the shots these days regarding the team’s hockey operations and it’s expected that he’ll announce the signing of 24 year-old KHL defenseman Viktor Antipin in later in the offseason.

The news, reported by Sport-Express KHL writer Igor Eronko, shouldn’t come as a big surprise as the Sabres blue line needs a considerable overhaul. The team finished in the bottom half of the league for goals against and could use a boost of young talent to work alongside Rasmus Ristoleinen and Zach Bogosian next season.

Antipin had a career year for Magnitogorsk Mellalurg of the KHL this season, producing six goals and 24 points in 59 games. He followed that up with an even more impressive postseason where he produced seven goals and 11 points in 18 games. Ultimately Antipin and Mettalurg fell short in the KHL’s Gagarin Cup Finals, losing to SKA Saint Petersburg, while Antipin named the playoffs top defenseman.