The Buffalo Sabres acquired Mikael Tellqvist at the trade deadline as a short-term

insurance policy. Turns out that's exactly what he was.

The goaltender's career in Buffalo lasted just six games, as the pending unrestricted free

agent has signed to play with Ak Bars of Russia's KHL. A report out of Sweden said Tellqvist

signed for about $1.3 million, up from this season's NHL salary of $800,000.

The Sabres sent a fourth-round draft pick to Phoenix in exchange for Tellqvist in early

March. Ryan Miller was injured at the time, and Patrick Lalime was the only netminder in the

Sabres' organization with NHL experience.

Tellqvist finished the year as Miller's backup after Lalime suffered a season-ending hip

ailment. The 29-year-old went 2-1 with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .928 save

percentage.