Ivan Nalimov

March 2021 – In March, the Rockford Icehogs signed Nalimov to an AHL deal for the remainder of the 2020-2021 season. At 26 the Blackhawks will hope the AHL time will help him transition to the NHL squad next season. There is hope that he can become the starter next season.  Pat Quinn

April 2020 – Nalimov remains unsigned after signing an AHL PTO to finish the 2019-2020 season for the Blackhawks. The sixth round pick from the 2014 entry draft has seen his numbers erode over the past two seasons. While his save percentage has remained decent, he has not posted a winning season since 2015-2016, but that tends to have more to do with the KHL team the player is on than their talent level. He will need to impress at training camp as this could be his final chance to play in the NHL for the Blackhawks before he stays in the KHL forever. Tony Carr

September 2018 – After requesting a trade in June of this year, the as yet unsigned netminder has since had a change of heart. Following a meeting between his agent and GM Stan Bowman, Nalimov feels as though he will be given a chance to play in North America as soon as next season. The big Russian has agreed to spend one more season in the KHL working on his game in the meantime.

Nalimov is an extremely agile goaltender which combined with his large frame makes him very formidable. He will need to adjust to the smaller ice surface, and faster pace, in order to have a shot of playing in the NHL. Putting together a solid season for Kunlun Red Star of the KHL would be a great starting point on his journey to the NHL.  Tony Carr