Alexander Yelesin's IIHF World Championship might be over, but his NHL career is just beginning.

TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports the Calgary Flames have signed the 23-year-old defenceman who was cut this week from Russia's worlds entry in Slovakia.

A native of Yaroslavl, Yelesin spent the last two seasons with his hometown Lokomotiv of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Yelesin appeared in 55 games for Lokomotiv last season, scoring four goals and adding six assists.

A right-shot defenceman, Yelesin had informed Lokomotiv last month that he intended to play in the NHL next season.