The Alexander Semin experiment in Montreal—and likely throughout the NHL—has ended.
The Canadiens signed the enigmatic forward to a one-year, $1.1 million contract in late July after he was bought out by the Carolina Hurricanes, where he had spent the previous three seasons.
Semin cleared waivers on Tuesday but declined his assignment to St. John’s of the American Hockey League. He had one goal and four points in 15 games this season.
A seven-time 20+ goal scorer and three time 30+ goal scorer, Semin’s production fell dramatically during his time in Carolina, where his best effort came in 2013-14 when he scored 22 goals and added 20 assists for 44 points in 65 games. However, the following season Semin only managed six goals and 19 points in 57 games.
TSN reported that the Russian-born Semin already has a deal in place to play the remainder of the season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL, likely signaling an end to Semin’s NHL tenure for the foreseeable future.
Semin was originally drafted by the Washington Capitals 13th overall in 2002, and spent six seasons with the club. He has 239 goals and 517 points in 650 games throughout 11 NHL seasons.
