Ryan Whitney’s professional hockey career lives.
After trying out for and being released by the St. Louis Blues last month, the unrestricted free agent has inked a one-year deal with HC Sochi, an expansion club of the Kontinental Hockey League.
“Four years ago after the Vancouver Olympics my goal was Sochi 2014,” Whitney tweeted. “It’s always satisfying when you reach your goals.”
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The 31-year-old defenceman signed a one-year, $900,000 deal with the Florida Panthers last season but played just seven games with the big club. Whitney registered six penalty minutes but failed to get on the score sheet in those contests.
The veteran did have 16 points in 45 games played for the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage in 2013-14.
The Boston native has appeared in 481 career NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers and Panthers, registering 50 goals and 209 assists (259 points). He won an Olympic silver medal as a member of America’s 2010 Olympic team.
HC Sochi sits in last place in the KHL’s Western Conference, six places out of a playoff spot, with a record of 3-10.