The Nashville Predators have signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year entry-level contract starting in the 2026-27 season. Pinchuk, a Belarus native, scored 31 goals and 35 assists last season with Dynamo Minsk in the KHL.
Key points
Nashville Predators sign Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year deal
Contract starts in the 2026-27 season
Pinchuk scored 31 goals and 35 assists last season
He chose Nashville over the Los Angeles Kings
Total of 74 goals and 73 assists in KHL career
Mentioned in this story
Belarus
Vitali PinchukNashville PredatorsDynamo MinskLos Angeles Kings
Nashville Predators sign Vitali Pinchuk from KHL to one-year deal
The Nashville Predators have signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year, entry-level contract to begin in the 2026-27 season.
Pinchuk, a Zhlobin, Belarus native, was one of the top KHL free agents this spring. The 24-year-old center scored 31 goals and had 35 assists in 65 games for Dynamo Minsk last season. Over six seasons with Dynamo (2020-2026), he's totaled 74 goals and 73 assists in 254 games.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
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.
1 / 43
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.
1 / 43
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.
2 / 43
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.
3 / 43
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.
4 / 43
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.
5 / 43
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.
6 / 43
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.
7 / 43
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.
8 / 43
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.
9 / 43
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.
10 / 43
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.
11 / 43
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.
12 / 43
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.
13 / 43
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.
14 / 43
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.
15 / 43
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.
16 / 43
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.
17 / 43
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.
18 / 43
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.
19 / 43
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.
20 / 43
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.
21 / 43
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.
22 / 43
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.
23 / 43
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.
24 / 43
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.
25 / 43
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.
26 / 43
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.
27 / 43
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.
28 / 43
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.
29 / 43
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.
30 / 43
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.
31 / 43
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.
32 / 43
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.
33 / 43
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.
34 / 43
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.
35 / 43
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.
36 / 43
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.
37 / 43
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.
38 / 43
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.
39 / 43
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.
40 / 43
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.
41 / 43
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.
42 / 43
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.
43 / 43
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.
During his draft eligible season (2019-20), Pinchuk played with the Kingston Frontenacs, scoring 13 goals with 21 assists in 54 games. After he was not drafted that summer, he signed with Dynamo Minsk and has been in the KHL ever since.
Punchuk, a 6-foot-3, left-handed center, has grown his offensive game in recent years. This past season with Dynamo, he ranked second on the team in goals and third in assists.
As a late bloomer in the KHL, it's hard to tell what kind of NHL career Pinchuk could carve out. It's a rare path to success, but happens on occasion.
The most prominent example is Artemi Panarin, who went undrafted in 2010, but signed with the Chicago Blackhawks as a 23-year-old in 2015. He won the Calder Trophy that season and has scored 330 goals in 11 seasons. In 2022, Andrei Kuzmenko signed with Vancouver as a 26-year-old, then scored 39 goals for the Canucks.
For Nashville, Pinchuk is a low-risk, high-reward option. He's big, left-handed center with offensive upside, not something the Predators have been able to develop lately.
Pinchuk's contract will run for the 2026-27 season, after which he will become a free agent.
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.