Nashville beat out Toronto for Vitali Pinchuk then buried him on the depth chart

Vitali Pinchuk was linked to the Maple Leafs but chose the Predators instead, though now their projected lineup has him nowhere in sight.

Pinchuk had choices when he left the KHL, and was linked to several teams including the Maple Leafs. He chose to sign with Nashville on a one-year, $1.025-million deal to see how things would work. A young forward with motivation outside of Russia, he chose the Predators as the best chance.

Pinchuk's roster spot is less than secure after Nashville's six new signings

But we're only a few months outside of training camp and right now, there doesn't seem to be room for him. The Predators made several additions this offseason including adding Mavrik Bourque, Nils Hoglander, Ross Colton, Alex Kerfoot, Jack Drury, and Adam Edstrom so where Pinchuk fits is unclear.

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They still have Steve Stamkos, Luke Evangelista, Filip Forsberg, Ryan O'Reilly and Jonathan Marchessault up top in addition to those newcomers so Pinchuk has even less of a shot.

Pinchuk had 66 points in 65 games for Dynamo Minsk this past season and has a combined 145 points in 252 games (all with Dynamo) and was seen as one of the top players in the KHL looking for a job in North America.

There's obviously a chance for Pinchuk to play however he was signed under Barry Trotz, whereas now it's Chris MacFarland in control of the team, so he may have different plans.

Toronto wouldn't have a spot for Pinchuk anyways

Though he was linked to Toronto, Pinchuk would have equally as hard a time getting a spot. Not that he isn't good, but the Maple Leafs revamped their lineup as well and focus heavily on adding toughness and defence.

The Maple Leafs added Colton Sissons, Nick Paul, Teddy Blueger, Brandon Duhaime, and Jack Roslovic (you could also count Zack MacEwen as well though he's more AHL depth) so they too brought in six players.

Pinchuk isn't an established top-six threat in the NHL so it wouldn't be likely he gets a chance there, and the newcomers already push him out. He could have made a solid addition to the Marlies and their potent offence, but they're also filling up quickly.

A benefit that may have helped Toronto had they signed Pinchuk was the price, as he would have been a bargain option for them as depth or even on the fourth line, and it could have saved some money that could be put elsewhere (Toronto is $2.75-million over the cap) but it still would have put the team in a cap crunch.

That isn't the case however, and Pinchuk may be thinking about what he needs to do besides having a strong training camp in order to get a chance on the roster because right now, he isn't included in their plans despite being a key signing only months ago.

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