One day after controversial translated quotes emerged from a Russian newspaper, Nashville Predators forward Sergei Kostitsyn clarified his comments Tuesday in an interview with The Tennessean.

On Monday, Kostitsyn was quoted as saying that "it would be better (for the players) if the lockout continues," and "if the NHL season is lost, let it be that way." Those quotes caused a mini firestorm and made many fans believe that he wanted the lockout to wipe out the 2012-13 season.

Kostitsyn told the Nashville paper that he was misquoted by Sport-Express from Russia.

"We all want to get back to hockey in the NHL and a full year and an 82-game season, but we need to reach a deal that is fair and we need to respect contracts that are already signed. It’s only fair," Kostitsyn said.

In Monday’s Sport-Express, Kostitsyn was also quoted as saying that he "couldn’t get used to (American) mentality. They are totally different people from us." Those comments were taken out of context, according to the Belarus native.

"The question the Russian reporter asked was if I will live in America after the end of my career," Kostitsyn clarified. "I said probably not because my friends and family live here in Belarus."

He then added, "I just want to say I really enjoy America and Nashville."

Kostitsyn is currently playing with the KHL’s Avangard Omsk to stay sharp during the lockout. He has seven points in seven games this season.