Russia forward Alexander Semin is to leave the Washington Capitals as a free agent on July 1, the player's agent was quoted as saying on Monday.
This season the 28 year old averaged his shortest ice time since joining in 2006 with 16 minutes 47 seconds. But he was second only to countryman Alex Ovechkin in scoring 21 goals and 33 assists in 77 games.
Despite that, Semin was told by the club not to count on any more ice time if he stays, his agent Mark Gandler was quoted as saying by ESPN Magazine.
"It just doesn't make any sense to him. He did the best he could under the circumstances and he earned his right to be a free agent."
On Saturday, the Capitals crashed out of the Stanley Cup Eastern Conference semifinals with a 4-3 series loss to the New York Rangers, defeated 2-1 the seventh game. On Monday coach Dale Hunter announced his resignation.
"With the lack of playoff success, the club decided to change directions. Alex doesn't fit into that system obviously," Gandler was quoted as saying.
"They told us Alex is not going to play short-handed, he's not going to play in the last minute. Alex is not ready to be a role player, he wants to be a full-time player, that's important to him."
Semin has not yet decided where to continue his career, but hopes to stay in the NHL, Gandler said.
The last time Washington reached the Stanley Cup final was in 1998, where they were beaten 4-0 by the Detroit Red Wings.
With their team done for the season, Semin and Ovechkin are expected to arrive in Stockholm on Tuesday to help Russia at the world hockey championships.
Both players are expected to make their first tournament appearances in Thursday's quarterfinal.
