Pavel Buchnevich Assigned To AHL (Not On A Conditioning Stint)
The New York Rangers assigned Pavel Buchnevich — who is finally skating in a regular jersey — to the AHL.
OFFICIAL: #NYR have assigned Pavel Buchnevich to the @WolfPackAHL.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 6, 2017
This is not a conditioning stint officially, while still being a conditioning stint. Conditioning stints are 10 days, so this gives the Rangers much more flexibility. With the Rangers schedule finally easing up, it makes sense to have Buchnevich get his breath back in the AHL over the next couple of weeks.
Plus, in the event he’s ready by next week, there’s no timetable to bring him back up. The Rangers can do with him as they please and he does not have to pass through waivers.
To answer your question: Yes, he can leave his contract and go to the KHL legally now.
To answer your next question: No, he’s not going to. This is not him being sent down because he can’t play or isn’t making the big club, this is him being sent down to get his conditioning back after a long injury.