Forward Nikita Scherbak, who left the NHL over the summer, is now facing a major blow to his career back in his home country. The 23-year-old winger, who was drafted in this first round (26th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in 2014, has been placed on waivers by Avangard Omsk. This comes just a few months after he signed a three-year contract with the team worth 60 million rubles per season, just under $900,000 in US dollars.

There were high hopes for Scherbak after he was drafted by Montreal, but he only ever played 29 games for the team, spending most of his entry level contract years in the AHL. In December of 2018, the Russian was placed on waivers by the Canadiens and was subsequently claimed by the Los Angeles Kings. Many felt a change of scenery would do him good, but he suited up in just eight games for LA, scoring one goal and no helpers. On June 25th of this year, having completed his contract, Scherbak was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Kings, making him a free agent. The following day, Scherbak was officially signed to a three-year contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL.

There was word out of Russia in late August that Avangard was not happy with his play, and that the team was looking to either trade him, or terminate his contract without pay. According to Sports.ru at the time, head coach Bob Hartley saw no desire for progression in Scherbak. Should he clear waivers without another team claiming him, it's likely he would either be assigned to Avangard Omsk's VHL affiliate team, or bought out of his contract.

Scherbak had two goals and six points in 16 KHL games this season.