Though he’s yet to dress for an NHL game, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Leo Komarov will be getting an opportunity to play alongside some NHL superstars.
The Finnish-born centreman, selected by the Leafs in the sixth round of the 2006 draft, is leaving the AHL’s Toronto Marlies and returning to the KHL’s Moscow Dynamo, reported R-Sport on Thursday.
Komarov played three seasons with KHL-leading Dynamo, the lockout home of Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, before joining the Marlies this fall.
In 11 AHL games, the 25-year-old scored five goals and added two assists, good for fifth in Marlies scoring.
Leafs GM Brian Burke told Hockey Central Wednesday that the Marlies roster was carrying so many forwards that top-six players such as Nazem Kadri had occasionally been healthy scratches to accommodate playing time.
After winning the KHL’s Gagarin Cup with Dynamo in 2011-12, Komarov inked a one-year deal with the North American team that had drafted him in hopes of playing in the NHL.
“Leo Komarov is returning to Dynamo, he will probably arrive on Friday,” club spokesman Mikhail Kravchenko told R-Sport. “He will likely take part in his first match at the start of the next home series.”
Komarov holds dual citizenship with Finland and Russia.
Update: Komarov was photographed by a CP reporter at the Marlies’ optional skate Thursday morning.
Marlies head coach told Leafs TV after the skate that Komarov is still a Marlie until he hears otherwise.
Dallas eakins says leo komarov is still a marlie untill he hears otherwise. Leo wants to make sure that if goes to the K he can come back.
— Paul Hendrick (@HennyTweets) November 15, 2012
Komarov skating in Marlies optional practice this morning.
#Marlies twitter.com/KyleTheReporte…— Kyle Cicerella (@KyleTheReporter) November 15, 2012
Komarov’s return to russia was a provision built into his contract. Jussi rynass will get the start in hamilton friday night.#Marlies
— Paul Hendrick (@HennyTweets) November 15, 2012