It sounds like Alex Burmistrov is getting closer to returning to the NHL — for the 2015-16 season.

But first, Burmistrov, a restricted free agent who remains property of the Winnipeg Jets, is preparing to spend a second season playing in the Kontinental Hockey League with his hometown team, Ak-Bars Kazan.

However, Burmistrov told Prosports.ru in an interview that he remains open to returning to the NHL.

“I have one more year on my contract. And really I would be deciding next summer,” said Burmistrov, according to Google translate. “In any case, I do not believe that my story in the NHL is over. I will almost certainly return there.”

Burmistrov, 22, was the eighth overall pick of the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2010 NHL Draft and has 23 goals and 58 points in 194 NHL games.

Last season with Ak-Bars Kazan, Burmistrov had 10 goals and 37 points in 54 games to lead his team in scoring, before adding two assists in six playoff games.

Although Burmistrov didn’t make the Olympic team last season, he did help Russia capture the 2014 IIHF World Hockey Championship.

If he returns to the NHL, Burmistrov would likely have to take a pay cut, considering the role he would be in line to play.

“For me, the money does not play any role,” said Burmistrov. “The dream (of playing in the NHL) is still alive.”

Should Burmistrov follow through with this plan to return to the NHL, it will be interesting to see if he will play for the Jets or be traded to another organization.

The skilled forward clashed at times with former Jets head coach Claude Noel but could see the benefits of getting a fresh start under Paul Maurice, who spent the 2012-13 season coaching in the KHL with Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

“I don’t have any preferences, but I’d like to get to a team where I’d play a lot,” said Burmistrov.