Robert Esche has told a reporter from WKTV, an NBC affiliate in his hometown of Utica, New York, that he will not return to the NHL this upcoming season. He says he will honor the final year remaining in his contract with his KHL club in Russia, SKA St. Petersburg.

Here is the report from WKTV's Brian Sandler...

Having to choose between a return to the National Hockey League and a return to the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia, goalie and Whitesboro native Rob Esche has chosen the latter, telling WKTV he will honor the final year of his contract with SKA St. Petersburg.

Esche, who last played in the NHL in the 2006-07 season, drew interest from both of his former NHL teams, Philadelphia and Phoenix, but decided to stick with St. Petersburg for the time being.  In 38 games last season, the 31-year-old Esche had nine shutouts and a 1.87 goals against average.

As you might remember, Esche was contacted by the Flyers to potentially fill their vacant opening as a backup goaltender.

hat tip to Kukla's Korner for the find