According to this report from part of the Russian media it appears that Dallas Stars prospect, Dmitry Sinitsyn, has signed a contract in Russia for the next two seasons.
It’s important to stress first of all that this doesn’t mean that Sinitsyn is running off to Russia and never coming back to the organization or North America. Considering the depth that the Dallas Stars have on the blue line with the Texas Stars this could simply be the best move for his development.
Essentially, as the Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy says: “Don’t Panic”.
He’s signed with Dynamo Moscow on a two year contract which, according to the HFboards at least, is a two way contract. This means that he could play in the KHL for Dynamo Moscow or in the VHL (The Russian equivalent to the AHL) with Dynamo Balashikha.
Playing against adults, with regular minutes, would be a big step up from the competition that he was facing in the WHL last season. If he can find a permanent spot, either in the KHL or the VHL, then this move would be good for his development. While he isn’t signed and therefore isn’t loaned by Dallas the fact it has come so close to training camp suggests that the decision was made after some consultation.
While Sinitsyn could have been placed in the Texas Stars for next season getting more ice time and harder competition in Russia would help his development. It is a move that could help push him towards the next level. In two years time he could be ready to challenge for top minutes in the AHL or time in the NHL.
As far as I’m aware Dmitry Sinitsyn doesn’t have to be signed, because he was drafted out of the NCAA but didn’t remain there, until before the 2016 NHL Draft. However I could have misunderstood the section of the CBA that covers this area.
Sinitsyn had spent last season with the Regina Pats in the WHL and had 44 points in 69 games. The year before that he played 13 games with UMass-Lowell in the Hockey East. It appears now that he will head back home to Russia for the next two years.