Speedy forward Pavol Demitra will be hopping ponds this year to play with Yaroslavl of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League.
Demitra had shoulder surgery that took him our for the majority of the season last year with the Vancouver Canucks. In the 28 games he did play, he posted only 3 goals and 13 assists for 16 points in total. Continuing his lack of production, come playoffs in the 11 games played, Demitra only had 6 points in all.
Demitra has been a big let down for all fans and fantasy owners last season. In previous seasons Demitra excelled, posting over 50 points 7 years in a row, a personal high of 93 points in the 2002-2003 season with the St. Louis Blues. Surely shoulder surgery limited his abilities last season, but leaving the Canucks, a strong Cup contender next year, to play over in Russia for a year is confusing and perhaps disastrous for his future career in the NHL.
The cards will play out for the veteran forward, but with the NHL getting younger and younger, do not expect Demitra to play again in the NHL.