Evgeny Medvedev Signs in KHL

Defenseman Evgeny Medvedev has signed a two-year contract with Avangard Omsk of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, according to the team.

https://t.co/C5hhumuqg1 Евгений Медведев в “Авангарде”! Контракт на два года, добро пожаловать в команду! pic.twitter.com/gP2JpOt6iX

— ХК Авангард (@hcavangardomsk) July 9, 2016

Former #Flyer Medvedevs has signed a two year deal with Avangard Omsk

— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) July 9, 2016

Medvedev, 33, skated in 45 games with the Philadelphia Flyers last season, tallying 13 points and a plus-5 rating. It was his first season in the NHL after playing 11 seasons in Russia’s top hockey league. He was a member of Russia’s 2014 Olympic squad in Sochi and has been featured annually on the nation’s World Championships team.

http://gty.im/502207616

Often a healthy scratch on the Flyer blue line, Medvedev’s transition to the NHL wasn’t as fruitful as he likely hoped for. Despite playing a responsible defensive game and posting an impressive 53.2 Corsi-for percentage in Philly, the Russian blueliners’ success last season wasn’t enough to overshadow his DUI and drug charges in early May. His legal issues didn’t make him an attractive option for NHL teams in free agency.

Medvedev had a long and successful career in Russia, which made him one of the top KHL free agents during the 2015 offseason. The Philadelphia Flyers signed him to a one-year, $3 million contract back on May 20, 2015.