Canes general manager Jim Rutherford has said defenseman Anton Babchuk doesn't seem to understand the NHL's free agency system.
Apparently not. Babchuk has signed a one-year contract for $1.5 million with Avangard Omsk of the KHL according to a media report out of Russia. Word has it Babchuk, a restricted free agent with no arbitration rights, was offered the same deal by the Canes after being made an initial qualifying offer of one year at $1 million.
So Babchuk is in Russia. The Canes still retain his rights. Babchuk, who switched agents just before deciding to sign with Omsk, should be playing in the NHL this year — with the Canes or some NHL team.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Taxes
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 07:38 — lewpulsIsn't the tax situation such that $1.5m in Russia ends up being a lot more take-home than 1.5m here?
But yes, he needs to get his head together. Changing agents was the first step, but too late for this year.
Hopefully
Sun, 09/27/2009 - 05:58 — esteban1949His new agent will help him get his head and the mess he made straightened out. The man has talent,and muchas ability. Not sure why Anton can't or refuses to wrap his mind around things as he should. Again I wish him well.
Go Canes !!
Or perhaps he just wants to
Sat, 09/26/2009 - 21:45 — ctillOr perhaps he just wants to live in Russia.