'Uncle Leo' sets the record straight on why he left the Islanders.

This week it was announced that veteran forward Leo Komarov would be departing the New York Islanders to head overseas and play in the Kontinental Hockey League. It was a surprising decision on the part of Komarov who was leaving the final $2 million he would earn in salary on the table, and perhaps for that reason there were some who felt that he had been pushed into making this choice.

On Sunday, Komarov himself took to social media to set the record straight on the matter. The veteran of nearly 500 National Hockey League games stated in no uncertain terms that no one had made this decision for him, adding that it was an incredibly difficult choice to make. Komarov would go on to add that it was especially hard because of how much he had grown to love and respect the men who shared the Islanders locker room alongside him.

Here's what the 34 year old Estonian had to say on the matter:

Toughest decision I ever made in my career... to leave all my teammates and trainers who have been like a family to me for the last 3 years. It hurts me more than anyone could think. Let's put all the rumors away. I made this decision myself. Nobody else did it for me.

I want to thank the Islanders organization for all the support. I want to say how happy I am that I got to know the boys- not just a few of them, I really mean the whole team. What unbelievable human beings you are. I also want to say an extra big thank you to Lou. I have never known anyone like him. He is always there to help you become a better person/player and I have a ton of respect for him. Big thank you to the fans who supported and cheered for me. It means a lot. I hope you guys are gonna win the cup.

Now I have signed with SKA in the KHL. I am really excited to join them soon and get games going.

To my family: I want to say the biggest thank you to my beautiful wife and kids for all the support you are giving me.

"Be Patient. Sometimes you have to go through the worst to get to the best."

Uncle Leo