Jets’ Burmistrov leaves to sign deal with Ak Bars of Russia’s KHL

WINNIPEG – Alexander Burmistrov’s contentious time with the Winnipeg Jets is over for now.

Burmistrov, who fell out of favour with coach Claude Noel last season, signed a two-year deal with Ak Bars Kazan of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League.

The 21-year-old centre had just four goals and six assists in 44 games last season.

Burmistrov was a restricted free agent this summer. The Jets retain his NHL rights despite his leaving for the KHL.

Burmistrov is a native of Kazan, Russia. He played one game for Ak Bars in 2008-09 before leaving to join the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League.

The Atlanta Thrashers made Burmistrov the No. 8 pick in the 2010 draft and inserted him into the lineup the next season. More than a point-a-game player in the OHL, Burmistrov never had more than 28 points in an NHL season.

“Through our conversations and correspondence with Alex and his agent, it became apparent Alex had a desire to continue his development as a young player in the KHL,” Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said in a statement. “He remains a very talented player within the Jets organization and we will continue to monitor his progress and development going forward.”