Ducks Sign Smirnov, close to signing Chistov

McKeen's has learned that #1 ranked prospect, Stanislav ChistovClick The Mighty Ducks have come to terms with 2000 1st round choice, Alexei Smirnov. The 6'3" 210 lb Left Winger from Tver, Russia will likely join the Ducks at camp this summer and has a shot at cracking the very thin lineup of the NHL club.Here to view this Link., is set to sign with the Mighty DucksClick The Mighty Ducks have come to terms with 2000 1st round choice, Alexei Smirnov. The 6'3" 210 lb Left Winger from Tver, Russia will likely join the Ducks at camp this summer and has a shot at cracking the very thin lineup of the NHL club.Here to view this Link., following teammate Alex SvitovClick The Mighty Ducks have come to terms with 2000 1st round choice, Alexei Smirnov. The 6'3" 210 lb Left Winger from Tver, Russia will likely join the Ducks at camp this summer and has a shot at cracking the very thin lineup of the NHL club.Here to view this Link..

Both players have been released from manditory military service which they have been fighting for over a year to be free to join their respective NHL clubs. The requirement to serve in the military was suspiciosuly linked to Avangard Omsk (Rus 3) team president Bardin who was attempting to retain the two players for an additional season by having them sent to the military for a short-stint.

That stint made it impossible for both players to sign and play in North America due to the NHL rules around European players eligibility.