Belarusian NHL Stars See Status Changes in Preseason
Two Belarusian hockey players, Nikita Tolopilo and Vladislav Kolyachonok, have seen changes in their NHL team status during the preseason. Tolopilo has been sent to the AHL's Abbotsford club, while Kolyachonok has been placed on waivers by the Dallas Stars.
Tolopilo, previously with the Vancouver Canucks, played three preseason games, allowing one goal in four periods. He is now headed to the AHL. Meanwhile, Kolyachonok, currently with the Dallas Stars, has been placed on waivers, giving other NHL teams 24 hours to claim him. If not claimed, he will join the Texas Stars in the AHL.
Last season, Kolyachonok played 23 games for Utah, scoring 5 points, and 12 games for Pittsburgh with a -5 plus-minus rating. He also played three preseason games this year, scoring 2 points. In a separate move, Belarusian Ilya Solovey was recently placed on waivers by the Calgary Flames but was claimed by the Colorado Avalanche. He will compete for a spot in the third defensive pair against Jacob MacDonald.
These changes reflect the dynamic nature of NHL rosters during the preseason. Teams are evaluating players and making decisions based on performance and fit. Tolopilo and Kolyachonok will now continue their development in the AHL, while Solovey has a chance to secure a spot on the Avalanche's roster.
