Defenseman Alexey Marchenko has decided to return to his homeland of Russia, his agent, Dan Milstein, confirmed Tuesday.
Marchenko hopes to return to the NHL someday in the future, Milstein added.
The Toronto Maple Leafs placed the 25-year-old on unconditional waivers Monday for the purpose of a buyout. They claimed Marchenko on waivers from the Detroit Red Wings last February.
He played a combined 41 NHL games between the two teams last season, notching one goal and seven assists.