Vadim Shipachyov is no longer a member of the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Russian forward's retirement papers have been signed and processed by the NHL and the Players' Association, expediting the process of ending his brief relationship with the expansion club, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
Golden Knights general manager George McPhee confirmed the development via NHL.com correspondent Danny Webster:
McPhee: Vadim Shipachyov has voluntarily retired from the NHL and can return to the KHL with the Golden Knights’ consent. He didn’t want to play in the AHL, nor be traded. Wanted to go home. Contract off the books.
— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) November 9, 2017
"We wanted to work with him, but he wanted to go home," McPhee continued. "He needed to play. Everyone here was playing better than he was. He needed to play and we were willing to have him play in (AHL) Chicago."
McPhee added he does not consider the situation to be a failure, and confirmed the team will recoup a pro-rated amount of a $2-million signing bonus from Shipachyov.
While the two-year, $9-million deal signed with the Golden Knights this past offseason will be null and void, his NHL rights will remain with Vegas until he turns 35.
Shipachyov, who scored one goal in three games with the Golden Knights, is now free to pursue opportunities in the KHL.
Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.