Babchuk Off to Russia

After not having a trade negotiated for him in the NHL, it appears that Anton Babchuk is heading off to Russia to play in the KHL. Babchuk, a restricted free agent, was not coming to terms with the Hurricanes and the team was actively shopping him around. There were rumours that trades were close between the Hurricanes and a number of teams, but it could very well be that the Hurricanes were not going to give up Babchuk for nothing, especially to an Eastern Conference team that they would play often.

In 2009, Babchuk had 16 goals and 19 assists in 72 games for the Hurricanes, so his presence will be missed in Carolina and will dilute the talent pool for defensemen in any fantasy draft.