Ducks Zeroing in on Signing KHL Standout Artyom Galimov: Report

The Anaheim Ducks are reportedly nearing a deal to sign 2020 fifth-round selection Artyom Galimo from Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

On Friday's "32 Thoughts" SportsNet podcast, Friedman shared that upon the unsigned players he closely monitors across the league, he received information that the Ducks are set to sign Galimov soon.

"I always make lists of who needs to be signed or who hasn't signed or who are the guys on my radar, and someone sent me a note," Friedman said. "They said he's not the biggest name, but here's a guy who could be on your radar.

"He's having a really good year. He clearly hasn't left the Ducks' radar, and ultimately, he's decided it's time to give it a shot. His name is Artyom Galimov and I've heard he's going to be signing with the Ducks pretty soon."

KREFELD, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 09: Artyom Galimov of Russia in action during the Deutschland Cup 2019 match between Russia and Slovakia at Yayla Arena on November 09, 2019 in Krefeld, Germany.

Over the past four seasons, Galimov hasn't quite matched the level of his previous output, amassing 62 points in 202 games and 12 points in 47 playoff appearances.

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This season, he's enjoying a breakout year for Ak Bars Kazan, recording 22 goals and 19 assists for 41 points in 46 games so far.

Galimov ranks second on his team in scoring and eighth overall in the KHL, with Ak Bars Kazan currently sitting in third place in the standings.

At 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds, the Russian center is known for his impressive puck skills and ability to find the back of the net. He's also a key contributor to his team's top penalty kill unit, which has resulted in several shorthanded goals.

The Ak Bars Kazan season runs through March 22, followed by playoffs. Should the Ducks sign Galimov, as reported, he's expected to join the team still in time for the 2025-26 NHL season.

Anaheim is in the midst of another difficult campaign, sitting second-to-last in the Pacific Division on pace to miss the playoffs for the seventh straight year.

It's both struggling on special teams, ranking No. 28 on the power play and No. 31 on the penalty kill, and at 5-on-5: the Ducks are second-to-last in expected goals rate per 60 minutes according to Moneypuck.com.

Anaheim will play Florida on Tuesday to try and end its four-game losing streak.

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