A Swedish report on Monday said that goalie Mikael Tellqvist has signed with Ak Bars Kazan of the Russian Continental Hockey League for next season. The deal is believed to be worth about $1.3 million, a raise of $500,000 from Tellqvist's NHL salary this past year.
Tellqvist was acquired by the Buffalo Sabres from the Phoenix Coyotes at the trade deadline as an insurance policy when Sabres back-up Patrick Lalime suffered an injury. Tellqvist appeared in six games with the Sabres while playing behind starter Ryan Miller.
The 29-year old native of Sundbyberg, Sweden began his pro career with Djurgarden of the Swedish Elite League before being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 3rd Round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He played sparingly in Toronto before being dealt to the Coyotes in November, 2006.