avatar

Buzz: Korpi to KHL?

by Adam Rotter on July 9th, 2009 at 7:24 am

Sabres Rangers HockeyYesterday the internet went aflutter, at least the Rangers section of it, with buzz from this Swedish website, which said that Rangers forward Lauri Korpikoski was leaving the Rangers and heading to the KHL in Russia.

At least one, maybe two KHL teams have offered Korpi a contract.

Korpikoski is currently a restricted free agent.

I didn’t post this for a reason yesterday, it is not entirely believable. Lots of times you hear about Europeans teams making offers on NHL players without a contract but it seems that when a KHL team does, it is newsworthy. Korpi is probably using this as leverage in negotiations with the Rangers and when it all comes down to it, I would be shocked if he wasn’t on the Rangers third line come opening night.

Monzo:  I am going to assume this is something his agent is spreading to get him more money from Sather and Co.  I am a big Korpikoski fan — I think his hands are as good as anyone on the team and has a knack for finding the back of the net.  His ability late in the season to become and penalty killer as well was a sign of maturity.  Get him locked up for multiple years.
  • jqstave

    I saw the same website yesterday but didn’t want to specifically bring it up. Having your name linked to a KHL team is a lot different then actually talking to or signing with one. KHL teams are always trying to talk with NHL free agents; why should Korpikoski be any different?

    He’ll be back in the NHL next year on the Ranger’s 2nd or 3rd line. No reason he would move to the KHL unless the reason he hasn’t signed yet is because Sather has something huge up that sleeve of his.

  • Pingback: Carolina In My Mind « Red, White and Blueshirts

  • Pingback: Carolina In My Mind « Red White and Blueshirts