Lightning goalie prospect to play in Russia next year

If a pending arbitration hearing in Russia had voided the contract of Vasily Koshechkin, the highly regarded Lightning prospect apparently planned to start negotiating with Tampa Bay.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published June 21, 2007

If a pending arbitration hearing in Russia had voided the contract of Vasily Koshechkin, the highly regarded Lightning prospect apparently planned to start negotiating with Tampa Bay.

Instead, agent Jay Grossman said Wednesday, arbitration was avoided and Koshechkin, a 6-foot-6 goaltender Tampa Bay believes is close to being NHL-ready, will play next season for Kazan in Russia.

Koshechkin, 24, the 233rd overall pick of the 2002 draft, played for Russia at the 2007 world championships and was 17-13-6 in 40 games last season for Lada Togliatti with a 2.08 goals-against average.

Grossman said a missed paycheck from Lada prompted the scheduling of arbitration, "But right before the arbitration, they made the payment."

Grossman said Koshechkin's contract, which runs through next season, then was sold to Kazan. He said his client "felt obligated" to honor his contract but wants to play in the NHL.

"I met with him at the world championships, " Grossman said. "He's a player I felt definitely has the interest."

Around the league

HURRICANES: Scott Walker, 33, passed on free agency and will return to Carolina after agreeing to a three-year, $7.5-million contract. Walker, a rugged right wing who is entering his 13th NHL season in 2007-08, will make $2.5-million a season.

BRUINS: The team kept quiet after a report that Claude Julien would be named coach today. The job has been vacant less than a week since Dave Lewis was relieved of his duties and offered another position within the organization. The Bruins called a news conference for this morning, and Canadian Press reported Julien would be named the coach.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS: The board has elected Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs as its chairman and Tom Hicks of the Stars to vice chair at its meeting ahead of this weekend's draft.

[Last modified June 20, 2007, 23:58:06]