Yashin headed to Russian Super League

Jul 20, 2007, 20:15 GMT

Yaroslavl, Russia - Former New York Islander Alexei Yashin agreed to a contract to play next season with Locomotiv Yaroslavl of the Russian Super League on Friday.

Yashin, who had the last four seasons of his 10-year contract bought out by the Islanders this offseason, was unable to find another home in the NHL and will play for the same club in Russia he played for during the 2004-05 lockout.

The 33-year-old Yashin never lived up to his mammoth 10-year deal worth an estimated $90 million he signed after the Isles acquired him from the Ottawa Senators in 2001. At the time, Yashin's deal was the richest in league history.

Selected by Ottawa with the second overall pick of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, the Senators shipped Yashin to the Isles in June of 2001 for forward Bill Muckalt, defenseman Zdeno Chara and the second overall pick of the 2001 draft, which turned out to be center Jason Spezza.

In 346 career games with the Islanders, the 33-year-old Yashin netted 119 goals and picked up 171 assists.

This past season, Yashin was sidelined 24 games with a knee injury and registered 18 goals and 32 assists in 58 games.

Yashin enjoyed his best season with the Isles during 2001-02 when the Russian scored 32 goals and added 43 assists for 75 points.

In 850 career games between the Islanders and Senators, Yashin has notched 337 goals and 444 assists.

© 2007 The Sports Network