After playing for one season in his native Russia, former Nashville Predators draft pick Egor Afanasyev may be back stateside in 2025-26.
The 24-year-old, whose deal with CSKA Moscow of the KHL was mutually terminated after the 2024-25 season, is now eligible to return to North America and sign with the San Jose Sharks. The Predators traded Afanasyev to San Jose last offseason when he became a restricted free agent, so his rights are still owned by the Sharks.
The Predators selected Afanasyev in the second round (No. 45 overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft, and he spent three years in Nashville’s system. A steady performer for the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, he had 54 points (27 goals, 27 assists) in 56 games in 2023-24. However, Afanasyev wasn’t able to put it together at the NHL level, scoring just one goal in 19 games for the Predators.
Afanasyev’s season in Moscow wasn’t overly impressive, as he notched just seven goals and 14 assists through 53 games. He became an impact player in the postseason, however, recording four points in six playoff games.
If Anasyev does decide to give it another go with San Jose, he will be waiver-eligible if he doesn’t secure a spot on the Sharks’ roster.
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