He has since been suspended by the organization, and his future remains in doubt for now.
Koltsov scored two goals and two assists in his pro debut on Oct. 11, 2004, setting the stage for a very successful rookie campaign in the American Hockey League last season.
Making his first Fab50 appearance at #33 in 2004, Koltsov lived up to his billing, finishing fourth among first-year AHL defensemen with 32 points (7 goals, 25 assists) in 74 games as a member of the Manitoba Moose.
While not the biggest defenseman at 5 foot 11, and 185 pounds, Kirill is able to overcome the lack of size with his ability to play the puck and deft stick handling.
Ignoring the wishes of the front office will probably not bode well in his attempt to make the Vancouver lineup any time soon. He may be banking on other teams desperate to fill certain roster spots entertaining his contract, or he may just have become homesick for Mother Russia.
Koltsov falls 13 spots from last year. We would drop him altogether in favor of talent that decided to stay and play, but given the abject weirdness of this season, his move may not have as severe repercussions as it would if the NHL had been in full operation this season.
