Vadim Shipachyov

Lore & Background

Shipachyov began his professional career with Severstal Cherepovets before moving to SKA Saint Petersburg, HC Dynamo Moscow, and Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL. On 4 May 2017, he signed with the expansion Vegas Golden Knights, becoming the second player in franchise history to do so. He made his NHL debut on 15 October 2017 against the Boston Bruins, scoring his first goal on goaltender Tuukka Rask. However, on 29 October 2017, he was suspended by the Golden Knights for failing to report to their AHL affiliate. The next day, he decided to return to Russia, and his contract was terminated on 9 November 2017 after clearing unconditional waivers.

Returning to the KHL, Shipachyov signed with SKA Saint Petersburg for the remainder of the 2017–18 season, recording 25 points in 22 regular season games and 11 points in 14 playoff games as SKA lost in the conference finals. He then signed a two-year contract with Dynamo Moscow on 17 May 2018, leading the team in scoring each year and leading the league for three consecutive seasons. On 4 May 2022, he was traded to Ak Bars Kazan along with Vyacheslav Voynov for financial compensation, signing a three-year extension on 18 May 2022. On 14 June 2024, he signed a two-year contract with Dinamo Minsk after Ak Bars traded him for cash.

Internationally, Shipachyov has represented Russia at the World Championships and World Cup of Hockey. He was the top scorer of the 2016 IIHF World Championship, where Russia won bronze, and won a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics as a member of the Olympic Athletes from Russia team. He was also named to the roster for the 2022 Winter Olympics representing the Russian Olympic Committee.

Reader's Guide

Vadim Shipachyov's significance lies primarily in his record-breaking KHL career and his brief, controversial stint with the Vegas Golden Knights. He holds the KHL's all-time scoring record, surpassing Sergey Mozyakin on 30 October 2024 with an assist on Vadim Moroz's goal against Severstal Cherepovets. On 12 January 2026, he became the first player in KHL history to reach 1,000 career points, assisting on Moroz's game-winning goal against Admiral Vladivostok. His NHL tenure was short but historically notable: he was the second player ever signed by the Golden Knights, scored his first NHL goal on his debut, but was suspended less than two weeks later for failing to report to the AHL affiliate, leading to his contract termination and return to Russia. His legacy is thus split between his unparalleled KHL achievements—leading Dynamo Moscow in scoring for four years and the league for three—and his role as an early, fleeting figure in Golden Knights history. Internationally, he contributed to Russia's bronze at the 2016 World Championship as top scorer and won Olympic gold in 2018.

Did You Know?

• Shipachyov was the second person ever signed by the Vegas Golden Knights.
• He scored his first NHL goal on his debut against Tuukka Rask of the Boston Bruins.
• He holds the KHL's all-time scoring record, set on 30 October 2024.
• He became the first player to score 1,000 career points in the KHL on 12 January 2026.