One of Anaheim’s restricted free agents is taking a pass on re-signing with the Ducks. Instead, the KHL announced today that goaltender Vyacheslav Buteyets has signed a two-year deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk. However, that’s not where Buteyets will play next season, as he has subsequently been loaned to Shanghai.
The 24-year-old was a sixth-round pick by Anaheim back in 2022, going 178th overall. He stayed in Russia for two years after being drafted, playing in Traktor’s system, primarily at the VHL level. They retained his rights when Buteyets signed his entry-level deal with Anaheim in 2024.
The bulk of his rookie contract was spent in the minors. Last season, Buteyets played in 44 games with ECHL Tulsa, posting a 3.11 GAA with a .908 SV%. He also got into four games with AHL San Diego but his numbers weren’t great in his brief stint, checking in at 4.29 and .865, respectively.
When injuries struck, Buteyets received a short-term recall to the Ducks and got into one period of NHL action, making 10 saves on 13 shots.
With playing time in San Diego unlikely for next season with prospect Damien Clara being joined by one of Laurent Brossoit or Ville Husso, it’s not surprising that Buteyets is opting to return home. Because Anaheim gave him a qualifying offer, they’ll continue to hold his NHL rights through the 2028-29 season.