Breaking: 25-year-old Leafs defenseman heads to KHL

Defenseman Alexey Marchenko has decided to continue his hockey career back home in Russia. 

Marchenko, who was placed on waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday, has chosen to head to the KHL, while he hopes to eventually come back to the National Hockey League.  

Marchenko played 11 games with the Leafs last season, and recorded a goal and an assist. 

The Russian defenseman was selected in the seventh round by Detroit Red Wings in the 2011 NHL Draft. He has played 121 games, in which he recorded four goals and 21 points overall.