A number of Tampa Bay Lightning prospects in Canada are packing their bags this month (articles here, here, and here), and Alexey Lipanov is joining them. Formerly a center with the Barrie Colts, news came out today that he was traded to the Sudbury Wolves for a conditional 3rd in 2022 and Dmitry Sokolov.
After attending Tampa Bay Lightning camp and playing one preseason game for the Bolts on a line with Boris Katchouk and Taylor Raddysh, Lipanov got signed to an entry-level contract on September 28.
So far this season, Lipanov has 11G/18A in 35 games played, and registered 0G/2A with Team Russia in the CIBC Canada-Russia series. Lipanov has been less than effective in his last handful of games played for the Colts, registering only 1A in the past six.
After Lipanov was signed, Geo wrote a scouting report on him, noting this about his play:
Lipanov is a speedy, creative center. He’s already showing signs that he can be a possession-driver as well, which is always a big plus, and sign of how high his hockey IQ is. He spent last season split between the Russian minor league VHL and the Russian junior league MHL.
The Sudbury Wolves seem to agree. Their press release speaks highly of his talent, with VP of Hockey Ops Rob Papineau stating:
We are pleased to bring in a younger skilled import player like Alexey into the program. His appearance in the CIBC CANADA RUSSIA series in November and his high draft selection last summer is testament to his ability.
Lipanov will arrive in Sudbury on time to practice tonight, before turning around and going right back to Barrie to play against them tomorrow.
Working👍 pic.twitter.com/GeaZmjfG5s
— Alexey Lipanov (@lipanov10) July 28, 2017
