Veteran VHL winger Vladimir Mlinski seems to be ready to leave Davos. Reports are surfacing that Mlinski is tired of trying to fit in with the team needs. Vladimir's agent told us in a statement, "While it is factual that Vlad is ready to move on, it's not because he is unhappy. In fact he loves Davos, but he feels like he is a better fit elsewhere as his career winds down." Interesting to note that Mlinski switched to defense from left wing during the season to help round out the team. Mlinski also was on the free agent market for a third of the season last year. When the first couple of weeks of free agency went by without an offer, Mlinski went back to his native Bulgaria and worked on his game. It seems to have helped as he was on pace to surpass his former career highs.
How much time does Mlinski have left? We asked his agent. "Vlad says he has one or two more seasons which is another reason he is looking to leave Davos. His timeline and their timelines just do not mesh. Mlinski has a lot to offer a team who needs a veteran defensive presence and is playing well. He could be great on a team needing someone to fill out a 2nd or 3rd defensive pairing spot. I hope to get some offers. I have asked for a trade with a promise of Vladimir signing with whoever gets his rights, so we will see."
We have heard a lot of talk from the agent, but what does Vladimir have to say? “I consider myself good teammate, I work out and ask for contract. Then come back to Davos and change position. I have good season. I think I have good years left, I can help team. I may not be MVP but only one MVP but lots of good players. Lots of good people and players in league, which is why I work hard to come back this season.” On whether asking for a trade will make him look bad to other general managers Mlinski replied, “I can not help how other people view me. I ask for trade to help team. I love Davos, Gustav good guy, teammates good, just time to move. They making big trades and getting good players, maybe instead of my contract they get better player to help them. I'm not mad. I helping team, yes?”
Does Vladimir have a team in mind? “No, not really. I want to play, I want to help team. Maybe team need another defense guy to make team better. I am guy. I do not care about location, Davos is nice. Europe is nice. It would be good to see America and experience some things I have heard about but I want to play.”
We asked Mlinski if he had any final words for Davos. “Yes I love Davos, I love teammates. I had fun here. I wish we win more games but no one got down when we lose, everyone had fun. I will miss locker room. I will miss teammates and I hope they miss me and say I was good teammate.”
Will this be the last we see of Mlinski? Has the VHL passed him by or will someone take a flyer on him? Stay tuned VHL.
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