Now-former Dallas Stars defenseman Sergei Zubov signs with Russian team

by Mark Stepneski of Andrew's Stars Page

Almost three weeks ago, Sergei Zubov told a Russian newspaper that the KHL would be an option as he looked for a place to play in 2009-10. The Russian league now appears to be the choice. The contract has not been officially signed, but it appears Zubov has agreed to a deal with SKA St. Petersburg.

There's been no announcement by the team, but its general manager says the process that will make it official is just around the corner.

"We have agreed that Sergei will play the next two years with SKA, " team GM Andrei Tochitsky is quoted as saying by SportsDaily.ru. "The official registration of all documents will be completed upon his arrival in Russia."

The time frame on when that gets done is up in the air, with reports suggesting anywhere between a few days to a week or two. Zubov could join the team sometime around August 12, according to Tochitsky.

Zubov, who played only ten games with the Stars last season due to injury problems, hit the free agent market on July 1 and his agent, Jay Grossman, said there were talks with several NHL teams.

Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said the Stars were willing to keep the door open on Zubov, but wanted to see how he progressed as he rehabilitated from hip surgery. Grossman indicated, however, that his client appeared ready to close the door on the Stars and move on with search for a new team.

The move to the KHL is not a total surprise. Back on July 11, Zubov told a Russian newspaper that he would consider returning to his native Russia and play in that country's top league, considered the best in Europe and second only to the NHL.

Zubov's move back to Russia would end a 16-year run in the NHL, including 12 with the Dallas Stars where he is the all-time leader in defenseman scoring (549 points) and defenseman assists (438).

Zubov ranks first among Russian defenseman in career points (771) and assists (619) and he ranks 2nd in goals (152), trailing only Sergei Gonchar (191).

He won two Stanley Cups in the NHL -- New York Rangers (1994) and Dallas Stars (1999) -- and was a 2nd Team NHL All-Star in 2006. He also played in three NHL All-Star games (1998, 1999, 2000).