The Nashville Predators are considering former KHL star Vitali Pinchuk to bolster their center position. General manager Barry Trotz is optimistic about Pinchuk's potential impact on the team.
Key points
Nashville Predators are seeking center help
Vitali Pinchuk is a former KHL player
Barry Trotz is the general manager of the Predators
Belarus has produced NHL players like the Kostitsyn brothers
While not exactly a wellspring of hockey talent, the country has produced some NHL players — most notably the Kostitsyn brothers, Sergei and Andrei, both of whom played for the Predators under then-coach (now general manager) Barry Trotz.
Now Trotz is hoping Belarus' latest hockey export, center Vitali Pinchuk, can help the Predators immediately.
The team signed the 24-year-old to a one-year, entry-level contract worth $1 million on April 27, beating out several teams for the ex-KHL star. He scored 31 goals and 35 assists in 65 games for Dynamo Minsk last season, drawing interest from the NHL after going un-drafted in 2020.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Q&A
Who is Vitali Pinchuk and what is his background?
Vitali Pinchuk is a center from Belarus who previously played in the KHL and is now being considered by the Nashville Predators.
Why are the Nashville Predators interested in Vitali Pinchuk?
The Predators are looking for center help, and Barry Trotz believes Pinchuk could make an immediate impact on the team.
What notable players have come from Belarus to the NHL?
Belarus has produced several NHL players, including the Kostitsyn brothers, Sergei and Andrei, who both played for the Nashville Predators.
What is Barry Trotz's role with the Nashville Predators?
Barry Trotz is the general manager of the Nashville Predators, previously serving as the team's head coach.
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Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
But who is this guy? And how can he help the Predators? Here's what we know.
Who is Vitali Pinchuk? What to know about former KHL star
Pinchuk, from Zhlobin, Belarus — a country sandwiched between Poland and Russia — was one of the top KHL free agents this spring. In six seasons with Dynamo Minsk (2020-26), he totaled 74 goals and 73 assists in 254 games, but most of that production came in his last two seasons.
During his draft eligible season (2019-20), Pinchuk played with the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs, with 13 goals and 21 assists in 54 games. After he was not drafted that summer, he left for the KHL.
This is a route many European-based draft rejects take. Continue development in an adult league, establish your skills, then hopefully the NHL market comes calling.
That's what happened with Pinchuk. A 6-foot-3, 203-pound left-hander, he grew his offensive game significantly the past four years, elevating to more than one point per game this past season:
2022-23: 0.23 ppg
2023-24: 0.51 ppg
2024-25: 0.65ppg
2025-26: 1.02ppg
Pinchuk has several skills that entice the Predators. He's big, plays center and is surprisingly fast. He's not a true burner, but accelerates well through the neutral zone. His puck skill and shooting ability seem above average, but it's admittedly difficult to judge quality of competition in the KHL.
Writing for Elite Prospects, scout Dylan Griffing said this of Pinchuk last November:
"On a line with three players accustomed the the centre job, (Pinchuk) provided the best off-puck support. Great size and physical habits with surprising speed, taking up space in all three zones to disrupt, pick off lanes, and support breakups . . . apart from his defensive game, he showed flashes of interesting short passing plays."
Where could Pinchuk fit into Predators' lineup?
Expect the Predators to give Pinchuk a real shot next season. We'll see how it shakes out in September, but he'd likely enter training camp as the third-best center behind Ryan O'Reilly and Matthew Wood. Nashville still might sign a center in free agency — plus there's 2025 first-round pick Brady Martin, who could make the permanent jump to the NHL next season — but Pinchuk will be in the mix.
Keep in mind, the Predators have signed European undrafted free agents before with no success. In 2018, they signed 22-year-old Swedish forward Carl Persson, who never made it out of the ECHL and is now back in Sweden. In 2017, they signed forward Victor Ejdsell, another 22-year-old from Sweden: He never played for Nashville, though he was part of the package to acquire Ryan Hartman from Chicago in 2018.
But Mats Zuccarello, Artemi Panarin, Andrei Kuzmenko and Pius Suter (among others) all went un-drafted, then landed as NHL free agents after developing in Europe in their 20s. The Predators are getting creative in their search for center help, so give them credit for that.
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex atjdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
