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.