Penguins' Plotnikov in Sullivan's doghouse for wanting to go back to Russia

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sergei Plotnikov hasn't played since early January, and now we know why.

The 25-year-old left winger drew the ire of head coach Mike Sullivan for expressing a desire to return to Russia, according to Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford.

"He started off a little bit feeling his way (through), and then I thought he had a pretty good run for about five weeks, but there came a point in time (when) he suggested he wanted to go back to Russia," Rutherford told "The Cook and Poni Show" on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan on Friday.

"That didn't go over too well with the coach, because he wants people here (who) are all in (and) want to be here at all costs, and that hurt him a little bit with the coach."

Plotnikov has been a healthy scratch for every game since appearing in a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 6.

He has two points and 32 shots on goal in 32 contests.

Plotnikov reportedly paid $500,000 to terminate his contract with the KHL's Lokomotiv Yaroslavl before signing with the Penguins on July 1.