Kovalev and Sopel Head to Russia

There is a pretty good chance that we have now seen the last of Alex Kovalev in the NHL, as the 38-year old Russian winger has signed a 2-year deal in the KHL, which will take him to age 40.  Kovalev was spotty at best in the 2011 season, playing between Ottawa and Pittsburgh, scoring only 16 goals and having a cap hit of $5 million.  Those two bits of math didn't work out in his favour, so the twilight years will be spent at home.

The KHL also welcomed veteran defenseman Brent Sopel into their mix, as the 34-year old rearguard also signed a 2-year deal in Russia on Friday.  Sopel played for the Thrashers and Canadiens in 2011, picking up 7 points in 71 games, playing some pretty good minutes, right up into the playoffs.  Sopel was a roster player at best, but not really a fantasy player, even in his prime.