Zednik leaving for Russia
The Hockey News is reporting that Panthers’ forward Richard Zednik has signed a two year contract with Russian KHL team Lokomotiv. The Russian elite club announced the signing of Zednik on Thursday, but as of yet the Florida Panthers have made no official announcement and Zednik’s agent has not been reached for comments.
Zednik is a finalist for the Bill Masterton Trophy, a price that honors "the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." Richard made an impressive comeback to hockey this season after suffering a life-threatening injury in the preceding season. Zednik scored 17 goals for the Panthers, several of which were back breaking – highlight reel goals.
It remains to be seen if this deal is truly stamped and sealed, but it was expected that Zednik would be moving on in the summer; being an unrestricted free agent, whilst the Panthers are reportedly preferring to look for a top-line centerman instead.
