Ryan Whitney signs one-year deal with HC Sochi of KHL

Former NHL defenseman Ryan Whitney has signed a contract with HC Sochi of the KHL in Russia.

Former NHL defenseman Ryan Whitney has signed a contract with HC Sochi of the KHL in Russia, the league announced Thursday,

The deal is for one year. Its value was not disclosed.

Whitney, 31, last played in the NHL early last season, appearing in seven games for the Florida Panthers before he was released. He spent the rest of the season with the Panthers' AHL affiliate.

Prior to this season, Whitney attended the St. Louis Blues' training camp but was eventually released by the team and not picked up by any other NHL club.

• MUIR: Off The Draw: Penguins-Stars will be stellar

Whitney spent time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers before playing for the Panthers. While playing for the Oilers, Whitney was selected to the U.S. Olympic team for the 2010 Winter Olympics, where he helped the team win a silver medal. He was also part of the Penguins team that made the Stanley Cup Finals in 2008.

Not selected for the U.S. team that competed at the Olympics in Sochi earlier this year, Whitney made light of his situation on Twitter.

4 years ago after the Vancouver Olympics my goal was Sochi 2014...It's always satisfying when you reach your goals.

— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) October 16, 2014

HC Sochi is currently in last place in the West conference of the KHL with 10 points in 13 games.

•​ Roundable: Berube's hot seat, early surprises and more

Whitney, the former No. 5 pick in the 2002 NHL draft, has recorded 259 points and 383 penalty minutes in 481 career NHL games.

- Ben Estes