Forward Alexei Morozov, a member of the '05-'06 Russian championship team Ak Bars who collected six trophies in the Russian Super League based on his play this past season, signed a new three-year contract with the Kazan club.

"I weighed the options, where it would be best for me to play. Ak Bars held all of the advantages for me. I didn't see any sense in making a change, and because of that, I decided not to wait until July 1st-- when Pittsburgh's rights to me in the NHL expire, and I would become an unrestricted free agent overseas. I very much want to win another championship with Ak Bars."

"We still have a definite interest in Morozov", Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero acknowledged three days ago. "He's a good player, but the entire question is at what cost. In this case, a long-term contract would be a large risk."