Maple Leafs’ Marchenko clears waivers, signs in KHL

Toronto Maple Leafs' Alexey Marchenko( 3) gets congratulated for his goal during first period NHL action against the Detroit Red Wings, in Toronto on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. (Frank Gunn/CP)

A day after being placed on waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Russian defenceman Alexey Marchenko has cleared and signed a three-year contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL.

Marchenko’s agent Dan Milstein said his client’s return to Russia doesn’t preclude him from playing in the NHL again.

Marchenko played the first 110 games of his NHL career with the Red Wings before the Leafs claimed him off waivers in February, a move that reunited him with coach Mike Babcock.

However, the 25-year-old seldom played, appearing in just 11 games and no post-season contests. He had one goal and one assist with the Leafs.

Marchenko spent four seasons with CSKA Moscow before joining the Detroit Red Wings’ AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffiths, in 2013-14. The Red Wings selected Marchenko with the 205th pick in the 2011 NHL Draft.

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