NY Rangers News: Mikhail Pashnin plans on playing in North America; in talks with Rangers

UPDATE: According to a report, Pashnin has bailed on the Rangers and signed a 2-year deal with tge KHL's CSKA Moscow.

According to a report from Dmitry Chesnokov, Yahoo! Sports, Russian defenseman Mikhail Pashnin plans on playing in North America next season, and he has opened contract negotiations with the New York Rangers.

Pashnin, 22, was drafted by the Rangers in the seventh-round of the 2009 NHL entry draft (200th overall), and he was also selected 1st overall by CSKA Moscow in the 2009 KHL draft. He spent the past two seasons playing for CSKA Moscow, and totaled three goals and six assists in 87 games. He amassed 90-penalty minutes as well, and he was a minus-10.

The 5-foot-11, 187-pound, blueliner impressed the Rangers coaching staff during last years prospect development camp. He is a hard-hitter, and the Rangers love his grit and "warrior" playing style. He is also a decent puck-mover with a hard shot.

I really hope the Rangers get him signed to a contract. He will most likely spend the year in the AHL with the Connecticut Whale, but there is a possibility that he can be a mid-season call-up; and a slight chance that he would make the team out of training camp. I'm sure coach John Tortorella will love his physical play and grit.

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