By Jacob Messing

KHL star Danis Zaripov is reportedly eyeing to play his hockey stateside after a two-year ban from the International Ice Hockey Federation for a failed drug test. Both organizations follow the policies of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), resulting in Russian side AK Bars Kazan voiding Zaripov’s recently signed two-year deal.

Despite scattered NHL buzz surrounding Zaripov, the 36-year-old Russian’s age and slumping efficiency will ultimately keep him out of the North American game.

Zaripov spent the past four seasons with KHL powerhouse Metallurg Magnitogorsk, where he consistently scored among the league’s best. His decorated career includes four Gagarin Cups, three World Championship titles, two other World Championship medals, and a handful individual awards.

The winger has maintained his innocence following his failed drug test in July. For his part, Zaripov seems to question the clarity of the situation.

“From what I understand, the substance for which I received a two-year ban is not (a performance enhancer) itself,” he said according to Russia Today. “But WADA experts for some reason decided that it was covering some stimulants, or to be exact, it could have covered them.”

Zaripov followed up by pointing out that in his long career he has never failed a drug test, adding that he is 100 percent confident he did not consume anything illegal.

Following his voided contract, the NHL appears to be his last option. The league would likely allow the winger to be eligible for free agency -- see Bryan Berard in 2006 -- but a few factors will make teams wary to add the Russian.

Danis Zaripov banned by IIHF for 2 years after positive doping test: https://t.co/Gbm83tu4ur pic.twitter.com/y6xhDbbACD

— KHL (@khl_eng) July 25, 2017

Zaripov’s Downside

The most glaring factor is his age. At 36, making the leap from the KHL to the NHL seems rather far-fetched given the inevitable growing pains that will follow. There have been notably strong transitions in recent years from Artemi Panarin, Nikita Zaitsev, and Alex Radulov, who at 30 was the oldest to sign an NHL deal.

The second is the deep pool of proven NHL veterans still on the market. Players including Jiri Hudler, P.A. Parenteau, Jarome Iginla, Thomas Vanek, and Jaromir Jagr remain formidable free agents who each are likely more deserving of a contract than Zaripov.

But the biggest factor is Zaripov’s statistical trends. In each of the past four seasons, Zaripov’s goal output has decreased: from 25 a few years ago to 16 last season. His total point output has dropped by almost 20: In 2014, he finished the season with 64 points, and in 2016 he ended with just 45.

His age appears to be getting to him, even on one of the league’s annual contenders, and the NHL is a stronger league with better players and more physicality.

The cons exceed the pros for teams scouting Zaripov, and the elements will likely mean the Russian will be looking elsewhere after minimal NHL interest.

Have a question or a comment for Jacob Messing? You can find him on Twitter @JMessing23.