IIHF allows Red Wings forward Hudler to join Continental Hockey League

ZURICH, Switzerland - The International Ice Hockey Federation has ruled that Detroit Red Wings forward Jiri Hudler can sign with Dynamo Moscow of Russia's Continental Hockey League.

Hudler was awarded a $10-million, two-year contract from Dynamo Moscow in July. USA Hockey filed an appeal, saying Hudler was still under contract with the Red Wings.

An IIHF investigation revealed that although Hudler's agent had filed for salary arbitration with Detroit on his client's behalf, Hudler never actually signed the filing notice himself.

This made the filing invalid, the IIHF ruled, allowing Hudler to sign with Dynamo Moscow.

The governing body also ruled that USA Hockey did not submit its appeal "within the formal deadlines provided by the IIHF." USA Hockey now has seven days to appeal Wednesday's decision.

Hudler, 25, was awarded a $5.75-million, two-year contract with the Wings by an NHL arbitrator on Aug. 3.

Hudler had 23 goals and 34 assists for the Red Wings last season, and scored three goals to lead the Czech Republic to a 3-2 victory over Russia in the final of the Czech Hockey Games last weekend.