With the NHL and Russia's new Continental Hockey League in a dispute over Alexander Radulov, the forward says he wants to stay home and help grow the sport of hockey in his own country.

"I returned to Russia not so that I could return again to the NHL but rather to offer all of my efforts and professionalism to the betterment of Russian hockey taking it to a new level," according to a translation of the letter attributed to Radulov and provided by the KHL.

Radulov wrote the letter dated Oct. 1 to KHL president Alexander Medvedev possibly to end some mixed signals on whether he wanted to return to the NHL.

"I have never been, nor am I currently, nor do I intend to hold negotiations with representatives of the National Hockey League or the International Ice Hockey Federation regarding the possibility of having the case of my transfer to the Kontinental Hockey League reviewed by the International Court of Sports Arbitration in Lausanne," his letter states.

Medvedev is in Alaska on business and not available for comment.

NHL officials had not seen the letter, according to deputy commissioner Bill Daly. The Radulov case has not been set yet for arbitration, but Daly said they made some progress toward a date in a recent meeting in Switzerland.

Daly said they have not heard from the Russians despite repeated attempts through the IIHF. Daly said he had been told by the players association that Radulov was ready to abide by an arbitrator's decision.

Paul Kelly, executive director of the NHL Players' Association, confirmed what Daly said. Continued...