UFA Signing: Mike York

For all those who think that Michigan and Siberia have similar weather patterns, please consult Mike York in a few months. The forward and Waterford, MI native with the consistently diminishing returns bailed the NHL last week to sign with HC Sibir Novosibirsk of the Russian Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Yes, Sibir does mean Siberia and Novosibirsk is the third largest city in Russia lying on the banks of the Ob River and not too far removed from the northern Kazhakstani border. Terms of the deal are unknown.

Now back to York. He played 63 games last season for the Phoenix Coyotes after signing a 1 year, $1 million gamble deal. York netted only 6 goals and added 8 assists for 14 points. He had a -8 rating, 4 powerplay tallies and 1 game winner to cap off another slow season.

Originally chosen in the 6th Round, 136th overall by the New York Rangers in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, York has had stays with the Blueshirts, Oilers, Isles, Flyers and 'Yotes. In 578 career games, York has 127 goals and 195 assists for 322 points. He has a career -34 rating with a gentlemanly 135 penalty minutes, 32 powerplay goals and 23 game winners. He hit the 50 point mark with 3 different teams (Rangers, Oil and Isles).

We wish Mike the best in Russia and encourage him to bundle up.