Russian contract contains no escape clause
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Aleksey Morozov will play in Russia this season even if the NHL resolves its labor situation in time for opening day.
The Penguins' second-leading scorer last season with 16 goals and 50 points, Morozov grew impatient with the lack of a Pittsburgh contract offer and signed a one-year deal with Ak Sars Kazan of the Russian SuperLeague. The deal also includes an option for a second season.
Morozov made $1.5 million last season in Pittsburgh when he had a career-worst 33-game scoreless streak, and was guaranteed at least a 10 percent raise if he returned. He said the Russian deal, which he signed Wednesday, would pay him more than Pittsburgh's one-year offer. Morozov also turned down salary arbitration.
His Russian contract does not contain an escape clause, which means the seven-year NHL veteran cannot leave the Russian team should the NHL season start up.
Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press
