EURO CURVE

Euro Curve takes a look at the latest international hockey news.

Goaltender Robert Esche has signed with Ak Bars Kazan of the Russian Super League. Esche was in Pittsburgh Penguins training camp last month but was unable to take a job away from either Marc-Andre Fleury or Dany Sabourin. Esche played in 18 games last season for the Philadelphia Flyers, going 5-9-1 with 1 shutout and a 4.32 GAA. Esche went from being a promising young goaltender with the Philadelphia Flyers organization to a No.3 option behind Martin Biron and Antero Niitymaki. Esche, who was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996 (6/139) ,enjoyed his best season in 2003'04 when he went 21-11-7, with 3 shutouts and a 2.11 GAA. Esche will join former Vancouver Canucks goalie Mika Noronen, who is in his second year with Ak Bars Kazan.

Writers Note: I drafted Robert Esche in my keeper league as I expected him to build on an awesome pre-lockout year so here's hoping he makes it back to the NHL ( possibly with the New Jersey Devils).

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg

Writers Note 2: The writer is a huge New Jersey Devils Fan.