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Report: Khudobin returning to KHL next season

Anton Khudobin

Anaheim Ducks goalie Anton Khudobin deflects a shot by the San Jose Sharks during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

AP

Anaheim goalie Anton Khudobin is reportedly heading back to the KHL for the 2016-17 campaign, per Russian news outlet Championat.

In the report, Khudobin’s agent confirms his client will play abroad next season, noting the 29-year-old ‘tender has several options in terms of interested suitors.

It’s been a difficult year for Khudobin with the Ducks. Acquired at the draft from Carolina, he opened the season as Frederik Andersen’s backup, with the understanding that would be his role for the season. John Gibson was originally slated to spend the year getting big minutes in AHL San Diego, and Khudobin would use the backup opportunity to showcase himself in a contract year (he’s a UFA at season’s end).

But things didn’t go according to plan.

After posting a .908 save percentage and 2.70 GAA in eight games with the Ducks, the decision was made to bring Gibson up from the AHL, and send down Khudobin. The decision was more about Anaheim’s struggles than anything Khudobin did (or, didn’t do) -- the club was awful through the first three months of the season, and Gibson did give them a spark.

Khudobin has played well with the Gulls this season, going 18-7-3 with a .920 save percentage and 2.42 GAA. He’s previously spent time in the KHL with both Metallurg Magnitogorsk Moscow Oblast Atlant.