The Vancouver Canucks traded for Nikolay Goldobin back in the 2016-17 season, hoping he'd be a top-six winger, but his journey with the team was a mix of promise and frustration. After showing early chemistry with Elias Pettersson, his defensive shortcomings led to him falling out of favor with the coaching staff. Goldobin's career took a different turn as he moved to the KHL, where he's now excelling offensively, breaking franchise records with Spartak Moskva. While a return to the NHL is possible, it's unlikely to be with the Canucks, given past experiences with similar players like him.

The Big Picture

Nikolay Goldobin's tenure with the Vancouver Canucks was marked by flashes of potential and offensive skill but hindered by defensive issues, leading to a shift to the KHL where he found success.

By the Numbers
  • In the 2019-20 NHL season, Goldobin played only one game but scored a career-high 19 goals and 50 points in 51 AHL games.
  • With Spartak Moskva in the 2023-24 KHL season, Goldobin set a franchise record with 72 points and has recorded 37 goals and 78 points in 66 games.
State of Play
  • Goldobin's offensive prowess in the KHL is at its peak, with 12 points in his last 10 games, indicating a strong performance.
  • While Goldobin has expressed interest in an NHL return, his history with the Canucks suggests it's unlikely, opening up possibilities with other teams looking for offensive talent.
What's Next

If Goldobin maintains his stellar KHL performance in the upcoming season, he could become a sought-after player in the European free agent market, despite potential defensive concerns.

Bottom Line

Nikolay Goldobin's journey from the NHL to the KHL showcases his offensive capabilities, raising the question of a possible NHL return amid his success in Europe, presenting a unique opportunity for teams seeking offensive talent.