A transaction in which Darius Kasparaitis would play in Russia for SKA St. Petersburg has not been finalized, according to a Rangers spokesman.
The deal involving the veteran defenseman, who is earning about $3 million and has been playing for the AHL Hartford Wolf Pock, was reported in some Canadian papers.
International deals can be complicated, particularly with the Russian hockey federation. Kaspar wants to go and the Rangers wouldn't mind having an open spot in Hartford, but...we'll see.
Kasparaitis, 35, cleared waivers in late September and was assigned to Hartford in late September, effectively ending his five-year Rangers career. He recently has been sidelined with a broken nose.
The Lithuanian-born Kasparaitis, who lost 20 pounds in a conditioning program last summer, has said he was not ready to retire. He played 28 games in Russia for AK Bars Kazan during the lockout.
Comments (4)
I used to enjoy watching him play. I wonder why he fell off the map so fast. Maybe he isn't fast enough for the "New" NHL. Lord knows Malik isn't!
how if it at all will this affect the salary cap situation?
Matt,
I think it won't matter as far as the cap is concerned. I don't think his salary is hitting the cap because he is in Hartford. My thinking is, what the heck would the Rangers get back and if that person they got back was to play in NY, would they have to clear waivers? I thought, and correct me if I'm wrong, every team should have the chance to look at a player (aka each player has to pass through the draft or waivers)
Dan,
Thanks for answering my question. Take Care