Vadim Shipachyov

Shipachyov’s expected to serve as the first line center for the Golden Knights after notching 76 points in 50 games for the WHL’s SKA Saint Petersburg last year. That output was good for third in the league and earned the 30-year-old Russian a two-year, $9 million deal with the NHL’s newest franchise. While adapting to the North American rink size and style could take some time, Shipachyov’s elite skill and experience put him a cut above alternatives Cody Eakin and Oscar Lindberg. The uncertainty around his transition makes him a risky pick, but Shipachyov could pay major dividends right away given his expansive role.