Alexei Yemelin to the Habs: “Nyet this Year"

It looks like negotiations between the Montreal Canadiens and their blue-chip Russian prospect, Alexei Yemelin, have broken off.

According to RueFrontenac.com, the blue-liner has signed a one-year contract with AK Bars Kazen of the Kontinental Hockey League.

“Alex will remain in Russia,” said Yemelin’s agent, Don Meehan.

“He was offered better guarantees. I am told that the agreement has a term of one year, possibly two,” he added.

One of Meehan’s employees, based in Russia, is currently preparing the documents.

Many felt that the KHL team would part ways with the 23-year-old after a disappointing regular season.

His performance in the playoffs apparently changed their mind.

Meehan is also the agent for defencemen Patrice Brisebois and Francis Bouillon.

He acknowledged that he plans to meet with Canadiens GM Bob Gainey, hopefully during draft week, to discuss Bouillon’s future.

Meehan has yet to meet with Brisebois to discuss the future of his second veteran rear-guard.