Friday, August 06, 2010

Afinogenov to Sign in Russia

Another one of the top remaining unrestricted free agents have been crossed off the list after signing in Europe. Reports on Friday morning suggest that the signing is imminent of Maxim Afinogenov to SKA St. Petersburg and it will be a 5-year deal, thus likely ending Afinogenov's NHL career.

Afinogenov, 30, was likely due for a nice sized raise (from $800,000) after having 61 points in 82 games for the Thrashers in 2010, but the number of high paying jobs had shrunk considerably and Afinogenov does have a bit of a reputation as being a flake, since his days in Buffalo.  There were likely a few suitors for him, if he wanted to play on the cheap again, but home came calling and offered him a long-term contract and probably a nice chunk of change as well.

Afinogenov becomes the 2nd highest ranking player to skip over to Europe this Summer, from last season's rankings, sitting well behind Evgeni Nabokov, who also bolted for the KHL for the long-term.

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