SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Recent graduate Nikita Pavlychev (Yaroslavl, Russia) became the seventh different Nittany Lion to ink a professional contract this offseason after agreeing to terms on a one-year, American Hockey League contract with the Syracuse Crunch set to begin with the 2020-21 season the team announced on Tuesday afternoon. Syracuse is the American Hockey League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"Pav has proven to be a scoring threat and there was definitely not a harder forward to play against in the entire NCAA," mentioned head coach Guy Gadowsky. "We are very happy to see the work he has put in as a hockey player and an athlete pay off, and we're all excited to see him succeed at the next level."
Pavlychev was initially drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the seventh round (197th overall) of the 2015 NHL entry draft, however, the 6'8" center became an unrestricted free agent on Saturday after his draft rights had expired.
The Yaroslavl native became an instant fan favorite in Hockey Valley for his imposing size and physicality. During his four years at Penn State he played mostly a shutdown role limiting the effectiveness of the opposing teams top line night in and night out.
Pavlychev graduated in May with his Management degree and finished his Nittany Lion career ranking just outside the top-ten all-time with 36 goals and 70 points while his 12 power-play tallies are good for fifth and his 137 games played are tied for the eighth most at Penn State.
During his final season in Hockey Valley this past year, Pavlychev scored seven goals while adding seven assists for 14 points in 27 games following a career-year as a junior where he netted 14 goals with 15 assists for 29 points in 39 games.
"I will forever be grateful for the opportunity that Penn State has provided me with. My four years as a Nittany Lion have not only helped me develop as a hockey player but as person too," commented Pavlychev. "I'll always cherish the friendships that I have made along the way."
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