Sergei Kostitsyn became the the Nashville Predators first 20-goal scorer this season when he scored during Saturday afternoon’s 4-3 overtime defeat to the Detroit Red Wings.

Last off-season, Kostitsyn was traded to Nashville from Montreal for the negotiating rights of two players the Predators organization had no intention of resigning, Dan Ellis and Dustin Boyd. Kostitsyn, a restricted free agent, signed a one-year deal with the Predators worth $550 000.

The Canadiens had no room for Kostitsyn on their roster and suspended the forward twice for refusing to play for the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League. When Kostitsyn wouldn’t report to Hamilton, he stated that he knew how well he could play and didn’t belong in the AHL. Last season, during the Eastern Conference finals the Habs also told Kostitsyn he was not welcome at morning skate because of his lack of work habits.

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