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

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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.

Artyom Kudashov following in his father’s footsteps

Alexei Kudashov, Artyom’s father, was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fifth round of the 1991 draft. He suited up for a handful of games with the Leafs during the 19993-94 seasons.

Following some more time in the AHL, the senior Kudashov returned to Europe. Now, it’s Artyom’s opportunity to make his NHL dreams come to fruition.

However, there’s a catch. The Islanders can’t offer the junior Kudashov a contract this season. There are two main reasons:

First, his KHL team would need to agree to terminating his contract before Kudashov could sign with the Islanders. If an agreement could be worked out, Kudashov could sign a two-way deal, allowing him to head to Bridgeport. Unfortunately, such a deal would have to wait until Kudashov is at least 22 years old.

Second, Kudashov is 19, meaning he’s draft-eligible. As The Hockey News pointed out, European players can enter the NHL draft till 21. That means Kudashov could enter his name into the 2025 draft. If that's the case, the Isles stand to miss out on him unless the club gets a chance to draft him.

If that’s the case, the Isles keep Kudashov. Otherwise, any other organization could potentially scoop him up in the draft. Thus, all of the Isles’ legwork would be done in vain.

Nevertheless, expect the Isles to make a push to sign him if he goes undrafted. It's not uncommon for NHL teams to work out transfers from the KHL to the NHL. So, Lamoriello and company could make arrangements to see Kudashov in an Islanders' uniform sooner rather than later.

Ultimately, Islanders fans could see Kudashov become a factor in next season’s training camp. Perhaps Artyom Kudashov could squeeze his name into the Isles’ lineup sooner than most may believe.

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Artyom Kudashov following in his father’s footsteps

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