Radivojevic will play in Russia

Branko Radivojevic will leave the Wild, signing a two-year deal to play in the Russian Premier League.

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: June 8, 2008 - 12:08 AM

Winger Branko Radivojevic, who spent the past two seasons with the Wild, has signed a two-year deal to play with Spartak in the Russian Premiere League.

Radivojevic came to the Wild from Philadelphia as a free agent before the 2006-07 season. In two seasons in Minnesota he totaled 18 goals and 41 points, becoming one of the team's most reliable checking forwards.

He is recovering from reconstructive surgery on his right knee to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in Game 2 of the Wild's first-round playoff series with Colorado. The expected recovery time for his postseason surgery -- one that may have limited his options in the NHL free-agent market -- was expected to be four to six months.

In seven NHL seasons spent with Phoenix, Philadelphia and Minnesota, Radivojevic has 120 points in 393 games.

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