Russian forward Danis Zaripov's IIHF suspension was dropped from two years to six months upon appeal Tuesday.

Zaripov, who was rumoured to be in contact with multiple NHL teams, can return to playing in the KHL on Thursday.

Zaripov tested positive for pseudoephedrine, a drug that is not on the NHL/NHL Players' Association prohibited substances list, earlier this year.

The 36-year-old scored 16 goals and added 29 assists in 56 with Metallurg Magnitogorsk last season and led the KHL with 15 goals and had seven assists in 18 playoff games.

He's won the KHL's Gagarin Cup four times and the world hockey championship three times. He also represented Russia at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

A six-time All-Star in the league, Zaripov recorded 121 goals and 135 assists for 256 points in 436 KHL games.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said over the summer Zaripov had agreed to submit to additional testing if he signs a contract, but the 2010 appears more likely to return to KHL now that his suspension has been reduced.