Edinburgh Capitals have signed ex-Chicago Blackhawks forward Pavel Vorobyev.

The 34-year-old Russian was picked by the Blackhawks in the first round of the 2000 NHL draft, ahead of NHL superstars such as Brooks Orpik and Niklas Kronwall.

Between 2003 and 2006 he played 57 NHL games, scoring 10 goals with 15 assists.

He also notched 98 points from 168 games for the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, during that period.

Vorobyev moved back to Russia in 2006 and has since gained significant experience in the KHL and VHL in his homeland.

He said: “I wanted to experience life in Western Europe and heard great things about Scotland and Edinburgh in particular.

“I spent time in the United States earlier in my career where I learned to speak English fluently, so I know I will enjoy life in Scotland as communication will not be an issue.

“I’ve heard the hockey is a good standard in the UK, so I know it will be a great challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting the Capitals fans and my teammates.”

Player/Coach Michal Dobron added: “It’s great to have Pavel as part of my team. He has experience playing in the NHL where he did well with Chicago.

“He has also played in other major leagues like the AHL and KHL, so he has the talent to play at any level.

“His point totals are great at every club he has been at and he also has international experience for Russia.

“He is a very talented player and is going to be hugely important in my line-up. I think he could do very well in our league next season.”

(Image permission: Doug Pensinger)