Am’s Lukin Departs, Headed to AHL in San Antonio

The Tri-City Americans announced Monday the departure of one of their 20-year-old players, Russian Vladislav Lukin.

Lukin, who was a European Draft selection in 2014, totaled 26 goals and 32 assists in the 63 games he played for the Americans.

GM-Governor Bob Tory announced Lukin will be in the training camp of the San Antonio Rampage, who are the highest minor league affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL.

The Rampage play in the American Hockey League, or AHL. It's the equivalent in hockey to what AAA is to major league baseball. The highest level of minor leagues, just below the 'show.' Each of the NHL clubs has an AHL franchise, just like the MLB baseball teams.

Lukin was also one of five 20-year-old players on the American's roster. By WHL rules, that has to be trimmed down to three 'overage' players by later this fall.