Kotalik to Sign in Russia?

 

According to Russian journalist and twitterer Alessandro Seren Rosso, Lokomotiv is considering signing boat anchor Ales Kotalik.

Should that happen, it would take immense pressure off of Darryl Sutter to find a place to stash Kotalik’s burdensome contract for the next two years. It would alo render sending Steve Staios to the minors a bit more probable this October. More good news. 

It wouldn’t surprise me if Sutter has gently prodded Kotalik to look for options elsewhere this summer (it’s the KHL or the AHL, Ales). If that happens, Darryl will take his place next to lucky Lou in New Jersey as a guy with the uncanny ability to shed his cap errors. Of course, I’d prefer he not make them in the first place, but at least it seems he can slide out of them when they happen. 

In terms of real money, I’m not sure if this would be a "loan" where the Flames would still owe Ales his salary, or an outright "suspension" where his departure means total financial relief. First, we’ll have to see if the signing actually happens and then assess the details afterwards.