This move could be Lou Lamoriello’s most interesting under-the-radar acquisition

New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello operates under a veil of secrecy. Isles fans got a recent look at Lamoriello’s modus operandi with the entire Ilya Sorokin saga.

But there’s one move Lamoriello pulled off this offseason that hasn’t gotten much attention. That move is the signing of Russian blueliner Artyom Kudashov to a PTO.

Now, the lion’s share of overseas attention has gone to Maxim Tsyplakov. Tsyplakov easily impressed at rookie camp, further cementing his case for a top-six role with the New York Islanders this upcoming season.

But then, there’s Kudashov. Not much is known about him. But the Isles are quickly getting to know what he’s all about.

Kudashov is a 19-year-old right-shot defenseman. He’s 6’0” and roughly 175 pounds. He played last season with Dynamo Moscow of the KHL before joining the New York Islanders camp.

According to Elite Prospects, Kudashov failed to register a point in 25 games with Dynamo Moscow and notched eight points in 21 games with Dynamo Moscow’s MHL affiliate.

While those numbers don’t stand off the page, there might be something more to this young prospect than we see. Per the Hockey News, Kudashov described himself as:

“I’m a two-way defenseman. I’m pretty good in the defensive zone and can move in and make some moves in the attack zone.”

Sounds interesting. Kudashov played alongside Calle Odelius in the Islanders’ recent rookie camp, catching the eye of the club’s coaching staff.

It’s worth pointing out that Kudashov is under contract in the KHL. However, The Hockey News reported an official statement in which Kudashov’s KHL club and the New York Islanders agreed upon Kudashov taking part in the Isles rookie camp.

If everything goes well for Kudashov, it could mean his dream of playing in the NHL could become a reality.