The Blackhawks are refuting a rumor that surfaced yesterday. Per The Athletic, “the Blackhawks had not offered a contract to KHL forward Damir Zhafyarov.”
NHL Rumors: Blackhawks didn’t offer Zhafyarov a deal
Even though multiple teams have expressed interest his size and speed are a concern.
“Smallish, high-skilled winger who’s a playmaker,” a KHL league source described Zhafyarov. “His size is his greatest weakness. And I can’t say he’s speedy enough to be an NHL player with that size. He’s mobile, sees the ice really well, has a great hockey IQ and great work ethic as well.