Ducks D Kondratiev returns to Russia

Nov 14, 2007 - 1:23 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Maxim Kondratiev's tenure with the Anaheim Ducks is turning into one to forget.

The Ducks on Tuesday announced Kondratiev has refused an assignment to Portland of the American Hockey League and returned to his native Russia, where he intends to play for St. Petersburg of the Russian SuperLeague.

As a result of his decision, Kondratiev has been suspended by Portland.

A sixth-round pick of Toronto in 2001, Kondratiev was acquired by Anaheim from the New York Rangers in January 2006 but just made his debut with the Ducks this season, appearing in four games without recording a point.

The 24-year-old defenseman first appeared in the NHL with the Maple Leafs in 2003-04, recording two penalty minutes in seven games. He was traded to the Rangers in the deal involving Brian Leetch in March 2004 and registered one goal and two assists in 29 contests with New York in 2005-06.

Kondratiev spent last season in Russia, collecting three tallies, 19 points and 144 penalty minutes in 51 games with Lada Togliatti.