THE SIDELINES : 2nd Russian to Join Canucks on Ice

MOSCOW — Vladimir Krutov will be joining Central Red Army teammate Igor Lirianov in the National Hockey League with Vancouver this season, Canucks President Pat Quinn announced today.

Speaking at the Canadian Embassy, Quinn said that the 29-year-old leftwing had signed a three-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The signings of Krutov and Lirianov, who agreed to terms earlier this summer, give the Canucks two-thirds of the famous KLM line, one of the strongest Soviet offensive units. The line, named from the initials of its members, also included Sergei Makarov, who will be playing this season with the Stanley Cup-champion Calgary Flames.

Krutov will leave for Canada as soon as his travel papers are ready, and Quinn said he could be in Vancouver before the season begins.