The Hockey News: Headlines: Former Senators goalie Emery signs one-year deal with Russian club

Former Senators goalie Emery signs one-year deal with Russian club

Former Ottawa Senators goalie Ray Emery is shown making a save as Pittsburgh Penguins' Evgeni Malkin, 71, looks for a rebound in this Feb. 23, 2008 file photo. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Gene J. Puskar

2008-07-09 11:20:00

Ray Emery will kickstart his hockey career in Russia.

The 25-year-old goaltender, bought out by the Ottawa Senators last month, has signed a one-year deal worth around US$2 million (tax free) with Atlant Mytishchi of the new Continental Hockey League.

"The reality is that since Ray's buyout there hasn't been a lot of interest, it doesn't seem like someone (in the NHL) wants to give him a second chance right now," Emery's agent J.P. Barry told The Canadian Press on Wednesday. "It's a terrific offer from Russia and we've been speaking to them for several weeks since the buyout.

"I've been talking to Ray a lot over the last couple of months and I know he's taken a lot of steps to make changes. This is his best opportunity to play next year."

After helping the Senators reach the Stanley Cup final in 2007, Emery had a nightmare 2007-08 season, losing his starting job to Martin Gerber and grabbing headlines for the wrong reasons - such as being late for practice or throwing his stick in the stands.

Sens GM Bryan Murray had enough and bought him out of a deal that was to pay him $6.75 million over the next two NHL seasons.

Still, between his tax-free deal in Russia plus his buyout money, Emery will actually earn more next season than he would have in the NHL.

COMMENTS (9)

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bostongm Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:22)

While i may bash Emery and his partying. He DOES have the ability to be a very good goaltender. He just needs to put his priorities in order. He'll be back next year to prove himself.

Pierre Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:20)

For some odd reason I knew it! The old Khimik organisation has taken a chance on Ray as he'll restart his career in the continental league! I sincerely wish him all the best in Mytischi! Memo to all CHL GMs in Russia: there are still players that no one in the NHL wants that are up for grabs... SIGN'EM!!! Even in Khabarovsk, SIGN'EM!!! It's close to Tokyo...

Flyerfan52 Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:19)

He is a good goalie but has some serious problems to get over. He has to realize he is not bigger than the team and can't be a distraction off the ice. When he grows up he can maybe get back to displaying all the talent we know he has.

Todd Foley Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:17)

To all the Nay sayers,... Bottom line Ray Emery is an excellent goalie. Might be a bit of a wing nut off the ice but you can"t take away the fact that he is an excellent goalie when he is on his game. Ottawa didn't loose in the final because of Emery, we just couldn't score and we got pushed around too easily. Emery was home grown Ottawa talent that should of stayed in Ottawa if he was not distracted. He bailed us out of the Hasek fiasco as a rookie, stepped up to the plate the year after when Gerber was terrible in the beginning of the season, and then led us to the Finals with a bad wrist, with a 12 -3 record going in. Personally aside from all the off ice issues, I believe and heard that he only fulled recovered from his wrist surgery in March of this year when he was benched. Bottom line, alot of other players have had issues, ie. Grant Fuhr and his 60 game suspension for drug abuse. Everyone has forgotten about that and he went on to play another 10 years in the league..we all know there are alot of players in Emery's boat..nobody talks about it! As a Sens Fan, I will really miss Emery. He brought a new dimension to the team but unfortunately it got the best of him in the end. Go kick some ass in Russia ( which he will ) and see you next year. Cheers from a ton of people I know that are still Emery fans..if you live in Ottawa / Montreal, you either loved him or hated him..alot still like the guy! One day he will lead a team to Stanley Cup Glory..I hope it's Ottawa ! Now Trade Gerber and pick up a real goalie Murray!!!!!

Jimi Guy Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:14)

Emery actually signed with someone, WOW! I did'nt think anyone anywhere would want to take the chance on a bum like hiim, but the Continental League seems to enjoy picking up what the NHL, and Ottawa, pukes out, Yashin. I say good riddance Ray, now you can demoralize a team in an entirely different part of the world.

bostongm Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:13)

The bigger question is: who cares where this guy plays? This party boy needs to clean up his act before an NHL GM takes a chance on him. And IF a GM takes a chance on him,it should only be a ONE year contract.Any more years and you risk the exact same situation the Sens ran into. I remember watching him on the Score with Cabbie on the street...Cabbie was talking about his situation in Ottawa....Emery looked very dis-interested...........BUT.......as soon as Cabbie asked him about the party scene.....Emery's face LIT UP like a kid on Christmas eve. You could tell right away..................that he was more interested in partying than practicing. See you later Emery

Bob Allisat Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:12)

A rich second chance for Emery to prove himself. I predict zero problems and either a speedy NHL return or a multi year contract in the KHL. The first of many more. Watch out Mr. Betman. It ain't the South where hockey's loved.

skeezix Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:12)

This is Emery's chance to remove his head from his hind end and redeem himself. Whether he actually does it is another story. We'll see.

Maxime Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:10)

Great for him! Now he won't be known as a bitter show-off only in North America, he will be known as a bitter show-off around the world!