Like a Locomotiv, Free Agency Rolls Along...

by Ryan

Breaking news from behind the Iron Curtain, as Alexi Yashin is bringing his lackadaisical skating and poor work ethic back home to Russia.

There is so much to like about this story, so let's break it down a bit here.

"The Canadian Press can confirm the deal does not include an out clause to return to the NHL next season."

Ah yes, because the NHL will want him back when he fails miserably in the Super League.

"Right now the city is electric, everyone is excited, the arena will be packed and Alexei will play hard."

Hey, 2 out of 3 isn't bad, right?

And now for the paragraph designed to depress some Senators fans:

"His departure means Ottawa's first two first-round picks in franchise history are no longer in the NHL, Yashin going second overall in the 1992 NHL entry draft and Alexandre Daigle - now playing in Davos, Switzerland - chosen first overall in 1993 by the Senators."

And the one designed to make Islanders fans throw up:

"The Islanders signed Yashin to a US$87.5 million, 10-year deal in 2001 after acquiring from Ottawa in exchange for top defenceman Zdeno Chara, a first-round pick the Senators used to draft top-line centre Jason Spezza, and winger Bill Muckalt."

Man, I sure am going to miss the good old days of Yashin not living up to his enormous contract. Now who can the world turn to when they need an overpaid European player to direct scorn towards? Wait, what did you say about Thomas Vanek and his albatross of a contract?

Hush yo mouf, foo.