Alexander Radulov has made the jump back home, as the young forward signed with Ufa of the Russian Superleague on Thursday.
The financial details of the contract were not disclosed.
Radulov, who is still under contract with the Nashville Predators, said he had warned the team that he wanted to play in Russia.
"I told my bosses in Nashville that I wanted to play at home and some Russian clubs were offering me much better conditions than I had in Nashville," Radulov told the Russian media.
"They said they would call me back but never phoned. It seems that they were either not really interested in me or just did not believe I could return home. One way or another, I'm happy to come home."
The former Quebec Rempart added that it was unlikely that the Predators would be able to demand his return to North America, as the NHL had no transfer agreement with either the Russian Superleague or the new Continental Hockey League at the time.
However, the Predators aren't prepared to let Radulov go so easily.
"Alex is under contract with the Nashville Predators through the 2008-09 season. We are looking forward to him being here for training camp and being a part of this franchise's success for years to come," said Predators general manager David Poile in a release.
Nashville's position was backed by the league, as Deputy Commissioner Billy Daly who asserted, "It is our understanding, based on the representations made both at our meeting yesterday, but also at an earlier meeting with Mr. Medvedev in May, that the Russian League will not allow a player to play in violation of his contractual obligations in the NHL."
Radulov, 22, scored 22 goals and 58 points in 82 games with Nashville last season and made $688,900. He has one year left on his entry-level deal that pays $984,000 next season.
