Yashin, Islanders talking about return

Alexei Yashin could be headed back to the Islanders.

General manager Garth Snow and Yashin's agent, Mark Gandler, confirmed that the two sides have discussed a potential reunion. Yashin's contract was bought out by the Islanders for $17.63 million in 2007 with four years remaining on the deal.

"I've had discussions with both Mark and Alexei," Snow said Friday. "I'd rather keep those conversations private, but Alexei has been skating at our practice rink in Syosset and he looks great. I've been on record saying I'd explore all options and any player that would improve our team and help us make that step."

Gandler said the Islanders are the only NHL team to have expressed interest in the 37-year-old center but that his client has several options in the Russian Hockey League (KHL).

Neither Gandler nor Snow would say if an offer has been made to Yashin.

"They've been good, honest discussions and we'll continue to talk," Gandler said. "It's growing in seriousness, but I don't want to go beyond that. I think both sides would like to negotiate privately."

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said both camps are well within their rights to negotiate a new deal despite the fact that the Islanders bought out Yashin's contract in 2007.

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"There are no rules that specifically prohibit re-signing a player that the club has bought out," Daly said in an email. "The only concern would be if it was a potential case of cap circumvention. That wouldn't be a concern in Yashin's situation."

The Islanders traded for Yashin on the day of the NHL draft in 2001, sending defenseman Zdeno Chara, forward Bill Muckalt and the No. 2 overall pick to the Ottawa Senators. The Senators selected center Jason Spezza with the pick. The Islanders then signed Yashin to a 10-year, $87.5-million contract.

Though Yashin often was productive during his five seasons with the Islanders, he was never seen as a force. He had 119 goals and 171 assists beginning with the 2001-02 season. The 75 points he scored in his first season (32 goals, 43 assists) were the most he registered for the Islanders.

After his buyout, Yashin returned home to Russia, where he spent the past four seasons. Yashin, who still owns a home on Long Island, finished with 15 goals and 18 assists in 52 games for St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Goaltender Evgeni Nabokov played for St. Petersburg before trying to return to the NHL late last season. He was claimed by the Islanders but never reported; the team still retains his rights.

Regardless of whether the veteran center signs, the Islanders will carry his buyout cap hit of $2.204 million over the next four seasons.