Egor Afanasyev, a former Nashville Predators draft pick, is eligible to return to North America to play with the San Jose Sharks for the 2025-26 season. The 24-year-old's contract with CSKA Moscow was terminated, which allows him to rejoin the league. Although Afanasyev had a lackluster season in Russia with only 21 points, he demonstrated playoff potential with four points in six games. The Sharks hold his rights due to a previous trade, and he will be waiver-eligible if he does not make the roster.
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.
Afanasyev's season in Moscow wasn't overly impressive, as he notched just seven goals and 14 assists through 53 games.
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