The Penguins on Sunday claimed defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok off waivers from Utah.
Kolyachonok, 23, was the Panthers' second-round pick in 2019. He's a left-handed shot capable of playing both sides and listed at 6 foot 2 and 195 pounds. The Belarus native is in his fourth full pro season in North America, all with the Arizona/Utah organization. He's on a two-way contract that runs though 2025-26 with a cap hit of $775,000.
Kolyachonok skated in 23 games with Utah this season, recording two goals, three assists and a minus-7 rating. He was a healthy scratch for the last month, last playing on Jan. 8.
John Slaney, a coach for the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners, told PHNX in 2023 that Kolyachonok plays a "defensive style, killing penalties, killing plays quick, good stick, and his feet are phenomenal. He closes the play so fast."
With Jesse Puljujarvi's contract being terminated Sunday, the claiming of Kolyachonok keeps the Penguins at 49 of their allotted 50 contract slots. Kolyachonok will report to Pittsburgh.
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THE ASYLUM
Taylor Haase
7:20 pm - 02.09.2025DowntownDefenseman Kolyachonok claimed
The Penguins on Sunday claimed defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok off waivers from Utah.
Kolyachonok, 23, was the Panthers' second-round pick in 2019. He's a left-handed shot capable of playing both sides and listed at 6 foot 2 and 195 pounds. The Belarus native is in his fourth full pro season in North America, all with the Arizona/Utah organization. He's on a two-way contract that runs though 2025-26 with a cap hit of $775,000.
Kolyachonok skated in 23 games with Utah this season, recording two goals, three assists and a minus-7 rating. He was a healthy scratch for the last month, last playing on Jan. 8.
John Slaney, a coach for the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners, told PHNX in 2023 that Kolyachonok plays a "defensive style, killing penalties, killing plays quick, good stick, and his feet are phenomenal. He closes the play so fast."
With Jesse Puljujarvi's contract being terminated Sunday, the claiming of Kolyachonok keeps the Penguins at 49 of their allotted 50 contract slots. Kolyachonok will report to Pittsburgh.
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