Even though former Penguins right winger Aleksey Morozov has agreed to a three-year deal to remain in Russia, he still has the option of returning to the NHL this fall, according to his agent.

Jay Grossman, who represents Morozov, confirmed yesterday that Morozov has accepted a contract that would tie him to Ak Bars Kazan in the Russian Super League but added that, contrary to reports out of Russia, he remains free to negotiate with NHL clubs.

Indeed, Grossman said, Morozov has reiterated that he wants Grossman to do just that.

"He has agreed to terms [with Kazan], but he can consider NHL offers," Grossman said. "He has a clear understanding of what he's able to do."

A Russian publication, Soviet Sport, quoted Morozov as saying that his Kazan contract did not include an escape clause. And that his decision to remain there was "final" because "I am perfectly happy with everything in Russia."

Morozov is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in the NHL July 1, and Grossman expects to discuss his possible return to the league with various clubs before tomorrow's entry draft. Penguins general manager Ray Shero has said he would consider trying to bring Morozov back, but added that it would have to be on contract terms palatable to the club.

Bruins

It appears Boston coach Mike Sullivan will not be back behind the bench next season, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. Peter Chiarelli, who will officially take over the team's general manager duties July 15 once his obligation to the Ottawa Senators ends, met with Sullivan in Ottawa June 6 and publicly said he would let Sullivan know his fate within "a week and a half."

Ducks

The Ducks are mighty no more. Anaheim will take the ice next season as the Anaheim Ducks, wearing new uniforms with different colors and a redesigned logo. The makeover cuts the team's final remaining ties to former owner The Walt Disney Co., which sold the Ducks last year to Orange County residents Henry and Susan Samueli. The team kept Ducks in its nickname after a poll of season ticket-holders. The new logo is the word "Ducks" in gold with white trim and orange shadowing superimposed on a black background. The capital "D" resembles a webbed foot, and the spacing inside the "D" is an arrow pointing toward the rest of the word. Black and gold replace purple and teal as the team's main colors, with orange and white serving as accents.