The Habs will soon be parting ways with one of their prospects as they announced on Thursday that they have reached a mutual agreement with Arsen Khisamutdinov to terminate his contract. He is on waivers today and once he clears on Friday, the move will be made official.
The 23-year-old winger was a sixth-round pick (170th overall) back in 2019 after a strong showing in the MHL in Russia. However, after signing a two-year, entry-level deal in 2020, things haven’t gone well for Khisamutdinov. He struggled to gain a foothold on a regular spot in the lineup with Laval, posting a single assist in 15 games. This season, he was cut from the Rocket early on and sent to ECHL Trois-Rivieres. He struggled with the Lions as well, notching three goals and two assists in 10 games, hardly quality production for someone on an NHL contract in a lower-level league.
Khisamutdinov was in the final year of his contract and looked to be a sure-fire non-tender had he made it through to the summer. Now, once he clears waivers Friday, he’ll be released without financial penalty on the cap, freeing up a much-needed contract slot. With significant injuries in both the NHL and AHL, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Habs try to add someone off waivers or in a minor league swap where that contract could be put to better use.