UPDATE:
from RDS (translated)
RDS has learned that Sergei Kostitsyn has finally agreed to return with the Hamilton Bulldogs. He had left the team in the earlier in the day, which earned him a suspension by the Canadiens. The suspension has been lifted by general manager Bob Gainey.
Kostitsyn has changed its tune after a meeting with Gainey in the late afternoon.
TSN.ca Staff
10/21/2009 5:54:30 PM
Sergei Kostitsyn has been suspended for the second time this season by the Montreal Canadiens and Hamilton Bulldogs.
According to several media reports, Kostitsyn left the AHL’s Bulldogs on Wednesday and was immediately suspended by the Canadiens. He had four points in Hamilton’s first five games after being sent to the AHL just prior to the beginning of the regular season.
“It was his decision, not mine,” Kostitsyn’s agent, Don Meehan told The Canadian Press during a Wednesday interview.
The agent also told The Canadian Press the forward would be meeting with Canadiens general manger Bob Gainey later in the day. Meehan said he would not be taking part.
According to RDS, the Canadiens now expect Kostitsyn to entertain offers from the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia, where three teams are known to be interested in his services.
“I know that Sergei is thinking about going to play in Russia, but I don’t know if he’ll go,” said Meehan to The Canadian Press.
Kostitsyn, whose brother Andrei still plays for Montreal, was first suspended on Sept. 30 when he refused to report to Hamilton after being sent down by the Canadiens. He asked for a trade from the team, but when one didn’t materialize he eventually changed his mind and reported to the Bulldogs.
Last season, the Belarussian native scored eight goals and added 15 assists for 23 points in 56 games. Last Saturday he had two goals and an assist as Hamilton beat the Chicago Wolves 5-4.