Jevpalovs Signs Entry Level NHL Contract

Nikita Jevpalovs has become the second GMHL alumni to sign a NHL contract -- signing an entry level contact with the San Jose Sharks (NHL) earlier this afternoon (Jan. 26).

Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson confirmed the signing of the undrafted free agent.

Jevpalovs, 20, has been tearing up the QMJHL since graduating from the GMHL in 2011. This year has been a career season for Nikita with 71 points (38g, 33a) in 45 games playing for Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

Nikita continued to impress on an international level. Nikita was the Alternate Captain for Team Latvia in the IIHF U20 World Junior Championships. He lead Latvia in points and finished second in the tournament scoring race with 9 points in 5 games.

This is not Nikita's first taste at the highest level. Jevpalovs was invited to the Philadelphia Flyers NHL training camp prior to the current season. Despite being ranked #86th overall for European skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Nikita was not drafted.

During his season with the South Muskoka Shield (GMHL) Nikita registered 48 goals and 43 assists for 91 points in 41 games. He also added another 9 goals and 18 assists for 27 points in only 16 playoff games to help lead the Shield to a Russell Cup Finals appearance. He was named the GMHL Rookie of the Year.

Nikita Jevpalovs becomes the second GMHL alumni member to sign a contract at the highest level. The first being Darren Archibald (Richmond Hill Rams, 2006/07) with the Vancouver Canucks.

 

Congratulations Nikita!