Andrei Kostitsyn interested in return to NHL

The last time we saw Andrei Kostitsyn, he was suspended for two games by the Nashville Predators during the 2012 postseason for missing curfew along with teammate Alexander Radulov. Shortly after the Predators were eliminated, both Kostitsyn and Radulov left the NHL and returned to Russia. Now, Kostitsyn is ready to return to the NHL, and he’s not picky about where he plays.

As seen on Sportsnet, Kostitsyn has been training, enjoys the NHL’s style of play and believes he can contribute to any squad.

“I’m ready. I want to say when I come there again I’ll be excited like it’s the first time. I’m doing my best — training hard and working hard. I’ll try to score lots of goals like I know I can.

"I like to play the style there. You have more chances in the smaller rink. A lot of good chances to score goals. … I’m open to any team; happy to be there. I think I can help any team.”

Kostitsyn’s off-ice issues may be easier to overlook considering the 30-year-old is reportedly only looking for a one-year, cap-friendly deal. During his most recent stint in the NHL back in 2011-12, when he skated with the Canadiens and Predators, he chipped in 36 points over 72 games. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but the low price would theoretically make him a nice-depth addition if a team can look past his off-ice concerns.

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