Russian forward Vladimir Zharkov has left the New Jersey Devils to sign a two-year deal in his homeland with KHL team CSKA Moscow, the Russians said Tuesday.
Zharkov, 24, scored two goals in 82 appearances for the Devils since joining in 2009 from their AHL affiliate the Albany Devils. He selected by New Jersey in the third round of the 2006 draft.
He returns to the team where he learned his trade.
"Vladimir Zharkov is a CSKA alumnus and well-known to our fans," the team's general manager and former Detroit Red Wings star Sergei Fedorov said in website comments.
"We are sure that CSKA supporters will be glad to hear about his return to the club. We hope that during his career across the pond he gained priceless experience, which will help him to play the lead role in our team.”
CSKA lost in the first round of the KHL playoffs last season, a campaign blighted by financial difficulties that saw state oil giant Rosneft take control.
In a bid to restore the team to its former glory it has signed Alexander Radulov from the Nashville Predators and his elder brother Igor, 29.
Wing Igor Radulov was drafted in 2000 by the Chicago Blackhawks, where he made 43 appearances.
After the NHL lockout, Igor Radulov returned to Russia and played for seven different teams, 2011 Gagarin Cup winner Salavat Yulaev being the last of them.
“Igor Radulov is an experienced player and, without a doubt, this experience will be useful for our team. He played for many teams and over the recent years he was in-demand by KHL leaders.” Fedorov said.
