Komarov leaves Islanders, signs with KHL team

Leo Komarov
officially left the New York Islanders in an Instagram post Sunday after the forward signed with SKA of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Komarov was in the final season of a four-year contract he signed with the Islanders on July 1, 2018. He scored 48 points (11 goals, 37 assists) in 164 regular-season games and eight points (two goals, six assists) in 44 Stanley Cup Playoff games for New York. He was held without a point in one game this season, a 5-1 loss at the Florida Panthers on Oct. 16, and was placed on waivers two days later. He cleared Oct. 19 and was assigned to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League.
"Toughest decision I ever made in my career..to leave all my teammates and trainers who have been like a family to me for the last 3 years," Komarov

. "It hurts me more than anyone could think. Let's put all the rumors away, I made this decision myself. Nobody else did it for me.
"… Big thank you to the fans who supported and cheered for me. It means a lot. I hope you guys are gonna win the cup."
Komarov scored 170 points (63 goals, 107 assists) in 491 regular-season games and nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 59 playoff games with the Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs. He was a sixth-round pick (No. 180) by the Maple Leafs in the 2006 NHL Draft.
"It's sad on a lot of levels," Islanders coach Barry Trotz said Sunday. "He was one of those guys that pulled you into the fight as a player. He was one of those guys on the ice that could get people off their game. He was a big part of the penalty kill. He was a big part a little bit of the identity. … He had that ability to play with top-end talent or play in a role. He could play multiple positions.
"… I'd love to be a player on a team with Leo Komarov because there's some great stories. He keeps you laughing, his wit and being Leo. Uncle Leo. That was what made him special."