Sergei Zubov Lands in St. Petersburg, Russia

In the past couple of years the NHL has seen aging superstars such as Jaromir Jagr, Sergei Fedorov and as of Thursday afternoon Sergei Zubov returning home to finish off their stellar hockey careers. Approximately two weeks after Fedorov made the jump Zubov who is a two- time Stanley Cup winner left the NHL to sign with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. This 39 year-old who has scored 152 career goals and 771 career points was a former 1990 fifth round draft choice by the New York Rangers and enjoyed his greatest moment with the Rangers in ’94 when he played a key role in the Rangers becoming Stanley Cup champions. In 22 playoff games that magical spring he registered an impressive 19 points and ended up a +10. After a one- year stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1995/96 this defenseman made his way to Texas and in his third season (1999) with the Stars once again came through in the clutch as he posted a +13 in the playoffs in helping Dallas win their first Cup in franchise history. After 12 seasons in Dallas Zubov who this past season scored 4 points in only 10 games due to a hip injury leaves the Stars as one of the most popular players on that ’99 winning team. In his prime this Moscow native who was known for his accurate shot and puck moving abilities enjoyed his best offensive season in 1993/94 when he scored 89 points and posted a +20. Besides for the Stanley Cup Zubov was also part of the 1992 Russian Olympic team that captured the Gold Medal. With Zubov heading back home the Stars who are looking to rebound after missing the playoffs have a huge hole to fill on the backend. There is no question in my mind that he was by far the most underrated player during the 1990’s at his position. Besides for scoring Zubov was strong in his own end and registered a career +148 rating. The KHL’s gain is definitely the NHL’s loss.