A Russian newspaper is reporting that New York
Rangers centerman, Roman Lyashenko has been found dead in a Turkish hotel.
Details are not clear on how the 24 year old died, but the New York
Rangers public relations department has confirmed the story.
Lyashenko was apparently in Turkey on vacation and police were called to
the hotel where he was staying to find him already dead.
The young centerman was acquired in March of 2001with
Martin Rucinsky in exchange for Manny Malhotra and Barrett Heisten. He
played just 17 games as a Ranger registering 2 goals in his first season
with New York, but was co-selected best defensive forward in the past season
with the Hartford Wolfpack.
Lyashenko became a restricted free agent this summer
and was reportedly considering moving back to Russia if a one-way deal could
not be worked out.