NHL Rumors: Alexei Yashin in Talks with New York Islanders about New Contract

According to Newsday, the New York Islanders are talking with center Alexei Yashin about a contract that would bring him back to the Islanders four years after he left for Russia.

Islanders GM Garth Snow has confirmed that the Isles and Yashin are talking about a possible return to Long Island. Yashin has been playing the last few seasons in the KHL. Last season with SKA St. Petersburg, Yashin scored 15 goals and had 33 points in 52 games.

The last time Yashin played in the NHL was in the 2006-07 season, when he posted 18 goals and 32 assists in 58 games as a member of the New York Islanders. In 850 career NHL games, Yashin managed 337 goals and 444 assists for 781 points.

Yashin was traded from the Ottawa Senators for Zdeno Chara, Bill Muckalt and the second overall pick in 2001. Yashin was then signed to a 10-year, $87.5 million contract. Then in 2007, Yashin's contract was bought out for $17.63 million.

A reunion on Long Island is not out of the question. Most fans would not be happy if Yashin were to re-sign. I don't think that it would be the worst situation. He could bring some leadership to a very young team. We should find out soon if the Islanders are serious about getting Alexei Yashin back to Long Island.