Ray Emery signs with Russian club

Goaltender Ray Emery, waived by the Ottawa Senators just one year after starting in the Stanley Cup final, will be playing hockey next season in Russia.

Emery, 25, signed a $2-million US deal 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."

Emery made a splash during the 2007 playoffs, when he posted a 2.26 goals-against average and three shutouts to help lead Ottawa to the final.

The Hamilton native then signed a three-year deal worth more than $9 million in the summer but he followed that up with a season that was marred by disciplinary issues and injury.

Emery is one of just nine active goalies with substantial Stanley Cup final experience, but he was passed over in the free agency period while the likes of Patrick Lalime, Andrew Raycroft and Ty Conklin quickly found new homes.

The Senators signed veteran Alex Auld as part of a new goaltending tandem with Martin Gerber.

Because he's under 26, Ottawa was able to buy out his contract at a reduced rate as per the NHL collective bargaining agreement. The Senators will pay him slightly more than $2.25 million US, spread out over four years.

Emery began the 2007-08 season recuperating from a wrist injury. In 31 games, he posted a 12-13-4 record with a 3.13 GAA and a lowly save percentage of .890.

Emery has eight career shutouts and a 2.71 goals-against average in 134 games in the NHL, all with the Senators.