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The real reason forward Tony Salmelainen left the Toronto Maple Leafs organization is that he has signed to play for Yaroslavl Lokomotiv of the Russian Super League for almost $1.5-million (U.S.).
Under the deal with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, Salmelainen will earn 650,000 euros ($930,000 U.S.) this season. If the Leafs had called him up to the NHL, the most he would have earned under his contract was $500,000.
When Salmelainen left the Leafs farm team, the Toronto Marlies, the only reason given was he did it for family reasons.
It was thought at the time he returned to his native Finland, but a source says he actually signed with the Russian club.
