Report: NHLPA doesn't want Shipachyov to repay bonus if claimed

Vadim Shipachyov is apparently willing to repay the signing bonus he was given by the Vegas Golden Knights, but the NHL Players Association reportedly wants him to keep it if he lands elsewhere.

Shipachyov has agreed to pay back most of his $2-million bonus even if he's claimed by - or eventually signs with - another club, but the NHLPA is fighting that, multiple sources indicated to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The issue isn't the repayment of the bonus in general, but rather whether he should have to do so if he becomes a member of a different NHL team, Friedman writes.

Sportsnet's Eric Engels reported earlier Thursday that the Golden Knights want to be sure no other club in the league will claim the Russian forward if he goes on waivers, and Friedman added that the expansion club also wants assurances that Shipachyov won't sign with another NHL team if his current contract is voided.

The NHLPA's position is that if Shipachyov gets claimed, Vegas loses the right to be repaid, and the union apparently doesn't want to set a precedent of players returning "money earned," according to Friedman.

Vegas signed the KHL veteran to a two-year, $9-million contract in May.

The 30-year-old has reportedly returned to Russia while he awaits a resolution.

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