The Buffalo Sabres on Thursday announced the team signed defenseman Victor Antipin (an-TEE-pihn) to a one-year, entry-level contract.
Antipin (age 24, 5'11," 179 pounds) appeared in 59 games with Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL) in the 2016-17 season, registering 24 points (6 goals, 18 assists). He also totaled 11 points (7/4) in 18 playoff games.
"Victor is a well-rounded defenseman who has played in all situations at the pro level," Sabres General Manager Jason Botterill said. "His mobility and puck-moving skills make him a perfect match for what we're hoping to build with our defense corps next season."
A native of Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, Antipin has been a member of Magnitogorsk for the past seven seasons. The defenseman finished with 98 points (36/62) in 266 regular-season KHL games, adding 37 points (17/20) in 79 total playoff games. Antipin helped guide Magnitogorsk to two Gagarin Cup Championships (2013-14 and 2015-16) during his KHL career. His individual honors include a selection to the 2013 KHL All-Star Game, the Gentleman on Ice award in 2014-15, and a Golden Helmet in 2016-17 - an award given to the members of the league's post-season all-star team.
Internationally, Antipin has represented Russia at five major tournaments, including each of the past three IIHF World Championships. He won a silver medal at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2015 IIHF World Championship, and took home a bronze medal at both the 2016 and 2017 IIHF World Championships.
