Center Marek Zagrapan will play in Russia next season whether the Buffalo Sabres like it or not.
The Sabres’ 2005 first-round draft pick has signed a three-year deal to play for Severstal Cherepovets of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, Zagrapan’s agent, Petr Svoboda, said Tuesday.
The deal was reached even though the Sabres still have an opportunity to retain Zagrapan’s rights by making him a qualifying contract offer by June 15.
Whatever the Sabres do won’t matter as far as Zagrapan is concerned.
“If they make him a qualifying offer, he’s still going to stay in Russia,” Svoboda said. He added that the contract with Severstal includes a clause allowing Zagrapan to get out of the deal after next season.
Sabres general manager Darcy Regier was not available for comment.
Svoboda said Zagrapan elected to play in Russia because he was not happy with his progress after spending the past three seasons in the minors, and has yet to play in the NHL.
The Slovakian-born Zagrapan was selected 13th overall after enjoying a solid rookie season with Chicoutimi, of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he had 82 points (32 goals, 50 assists) in 59 games.
He’s failed to develop his play-making skills in the American Hockey League, having managed 127 points (56 goals, 71 assists) in 227 career games. Zagrapan finished with a career-best 49 points (21 goals, 28 assists) to finish sixth among Portland Pirates’ scorers last season.
In a separate development involving Buffalo and the KHL, Sabres’ prospect goalie Jhonas Enroth was selected 66th overall by Atlant Moscow in the KHL junior entry draft held Monday. By selecting Enroth, Atlant Moscow gained control of the player’s rights should he elect to play in the KHL.
Enroth, who posted a 26-23-6 record in his rookie season in Portland last year, is still under contract with the Sabres, who selected him in the second round of the 2006 NHL draft.
Pro Sports
June 2, 2009
SABRES: Zagrapan signs deal to play in Russia
- Pro Sports
-
- Sabres' Leino staying positive, finally finding groove on wing
- Sabres' Vanek feeling better, aiming for weekend return
- Sabres throttle Bruins with Ruff watching
- Sabres goalie Miller enjoying wins milestone as play picks up
- Sabres assistant Patrick to coach if broken ribs sideline Ruff
- In bizarre scene, Sabres coach Ruff breaks three ribs in practice
- Healthy defense corps has Sabres winning again
- Sabres' Boyes hoping to avoid fifth deadline trade
- Sabres waste Miller's effort in shootout loss to Rangers
- Habs' barking doesn't bother Sabres
- More Pro Sports Headlines
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
