Defenseman Anton Babchuk is back with the Hurricanes after playing last season for Avangard Omsk in the Russian Superliga, signing a one-year, $1 million contract.
During the 2006-2007 season, Babchuk was briefly suspended by the Hurricanes when he refused an assignment with the AHL's Albany River Rats. He relented and reported to Albany and was later recalled by the Canes. But after the season, the Kiev native left for Omsk.
Here's what Babchuk had to say this week.
Q: When you left for Russia, did you ever envision a return to the Canes?
A: "I always hoped I'd get another chance to play here. I felt if I played well over there, I'd get the chance. And it's happened and I'm excited about it."
Q: Was it tempting to just stay in the Russia and continue to play?
A: "I played in Omsk. It's kind of funny. (Former Canes goalie) John Grahame goes to that team and I go here. We kind of switched.
"When the season was over, the Omsk team gave me an offer for even more cash money than here. But like I said, I wanted to play in the NHL, in the best league against the best players."
Q: Do you feel your game changed noticeably during the year away?
A: "I think I improved. Last year, I played with the first unit, in all situations — PP (power play), PK (penalty kill), got a lot of ice time. I played all the games in the season and the playoffs. So I think my game is improved since the last time I was here.
"When you get older and more mature, you know how to handle it better when a bad game happens. It's just one game, it's a long season. You have good games, have bad games. As you get older and older, you know how to get away from (a bad game) and make sure your game gets better and better."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
I'm glad Babs is back and
Sat, 09/20/2008 - 13:31 — Anonymous (not verified)I'm glad Babs is back and after all the drama form his previous stint here, my guess is that he's matured and will do what is necessary to prove his worth. I'd rather see Seidenberg be on the block than this young player with boatloads of potential.
Extension
Sat, 09/20/2008 - 12:01 — scomil6'5" defensemen with the skills that he has are a hot commodity in the NHL. Rather than trading him, I would hope the Canes would sign him to an extension and keep his rights here for reasonable period. He has all kinds of potential and could be valuable to this organization for a long time. Look for a good year from him, as he gets settled in, but give him a little time.
The return of Babchuk
Fri, 09/19/2008 - 22:10 — esteban1949We shall see...what we shall see...and if he really don't measure up...trade him...but I'm NOT JR...am I ?
Go Canes !!
Trade him?
Fri, 09/19/2008 - 21:43 — laviolettefanI thought for sure that they would trade Babchuk once he signed. Maybe now that Williams is out JR will trade him for a forward.
4th Question
Fri, 09/19/2008 - 14:48 — JRs_FaultDidn't Babchuck change agents between the time he left in '07 and now?
Wild Thing
Fri, 09/19/2008 - 12:41 — The Original Caniac (not verified)Every time he teed it up in the past here - he reminded me of Wild Thing from Major League. I always expected him to take out the plexiglass behind the net. I hope he's got that Laaaaazer dialed in this time.