BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Center Marek Zagrapan will play in Russia
next season whether the Buffalo Sabres like it or not.
The Sabres' 2005 first-round draft pick has signed a three-year
deal to play for Severstal Cherepovets of Russia's Kontinental
Hockey League, Zagrapan's agent, Petr Svoboda, said Tuesday.
The deal was reached before the Sabres had an opportunity to
retain Zagrapan's rights by making him a qualifying offer by June
15.
Svoboda said his client will play in Russia even if the Sabres
make an offer.
Sabres general manager Darcy Regier was not available for
comment.
Svoboda said Zagrapan elected to play in Russia because he was
not happy with his progress after spending the past three seasons
in the minors.