Unconfirmed reports are indicating that fiery winger Leo Komarov will be returning to the KHL.
Finnish reporter Emil Elo(@emilelo) tweeted on Saturday that the Estonian born Komarov has opted to return to Moscow Dynamo of the Kontinental Hockey League, where he spent three seasons from 2009-2011 and part of the 2012-13 season during the NHL lockout.
The loose translation courtesy of Google Translate reads: “Sure enough, Leo Komarov will not continue in the NHL. He will be back in Moscow next season.”
There has been no official confirmation from Komarov, his representatives or the Leafs.
The 26 year old Komarov was drafted by the Leafs 180th overall in 2006 and played four seasons with Dynamo before signing a one year deal with the Leafs in May, 2012. He split time between the Toronto Marlies and Dynamo during the NHL lockout, but played in 42 regular season games and 7 playoff games for the Leafs and was a significant contributor as a penalty killer, checker and general irritant.
Yahoo’s Dmitri Chesnokov reported comments from the winger at the celebration of Dynamo’s KHL Championship that he had held preliminary contract talks with his former club.
“Won’t hide it, I’ve held negotiations with Dynamo, but I’m waiting for an offer from Toronto.”
Komarov would likely draw a higher salary from the KHL and GM Dave Nonis might be able to persuade him to re-sign with Toronto if they gave him a longer term and a raise from his $1.2 Million 2013 salary, but another factor may have been that the winger enjoyed playing in Moscow.
If the reports are true, the Leafs will retain his NHL rights, since Komarov will be a restricted free agent on July 5.
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