A trip to the Channel One Cup lands veteran Jason Demers a new contract

Team Canada did not win the Channel One Cup that took place in Russia this month, but one of its players came out a winner anyway. Defenceman Jason Demers represented Canada at the tournament, and his performance was enough to land him a new contract after being a free agent since this summer.

Demers, 36, has a deal until the end of this season with Ak Bars of the KHL. The team specifically mentioned his play at the Channel One Cup as being the catalyst for the signing.

"The offer from Ak Bars came during the performance for the Canadian national team at the Channel One Cup," said Demers. "I talked a lot with Jordan Weal, he said a lot of good things, and convinced me that Kazan is a great place for a career. Then I talked with the head coach, and I really liked his approach to hockey. The decision to sign a contract was not difficult."

Demers is just one game short of 700 in the NHL. He most recently played for the Arizona Coyotes, but has also had stints with the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks. For a seventh round pick in 2008, he's carved out a nice playing career for himself.

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