Have you heard/read about the latest development of the NHL vs KHL/Malkin drama?

Question

Anyone remember me asking two questions about the KHL in the past? Yeah, well, I'll dig those up later. But it looks like the attempts to lure players overseas really have just started: http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/06/22/khl-seems-ready-to-declare-player-war-on-nhl/

Thoughts? Comments?

Answer 1

Good luck with that!

Ovechkin leaving to Russia will not happen.

Answer 2

Holy Smokes.........................Do they not remember what Malkin went through to get here? He snuck over for goodness sake. I DOUBT.....I KNOW he would never even consider going back.

And if they want to recruit Ovechkin. Good luck. They're going to NEED an army for that one.

.....Actually, the ONLY way they could ever get Malkin is if they got Gonchar. Malkin would be a little lost puppy without him, and I'd bet he'd follow. But good luck getting Gonch.

Answer 3

Just have to wait a few years and see what happens.

One factor is the weak US dollar combined with the commodities boom in Russia. Many of the RSL/KHL owners are energy mega-companies such as Gazprom. Also, don't discount the prospect of hidden subsidies from the Russian government, since Putin is apparently a big hockey fan and has been supportive of the moves by the KHL's owners.

Apparently, many of the Russian teams are money losers dependent on corporate sponsoship to stay afloat. Ticket prices and tv revenue are far too low to cover costs.

I wouldn't expect a mass exodus of NHL players, but there will certainly be competition for new European prospects. Especially if some of the Swedish, German and Finnish teams join the KHL.

It would also appear that although there is no limit on how many "imports" a foreign team can have on their roster, there is a set limit of only four imports who can actually play for a team in any given game. Foreign goaltenders are banned altogether. This restriction will seriously hamper the ability of the KHL to compete for foreign talent.

Answer 4

The lack of a transfer agreement is the sticky wicket in this.

Rene Fasel (head of the IIHF) is saying they'll look at sanctions against the Russian Federation, but what can they do...the worst would be to forbid them from participating in the World Championships.

Ovechkin is under contract (his 13-year deal starts this season), so therefore he's not going anywhere.  Malkin is out of contract at the end of this coming season; for now he's locked up.  Once his contract expires, theoretically he can be contacted.

Answer 5

wow. looks like that little troll Bettman f*cked the NHL again huh?

Answer 6

He is very right about the last comment.

But my question would be, would the KHL become another WHA? Remember, the WHA did something similar with Hull with that first millionaire athlete. I don't know much about the Russian and Euro economies, but are they able to sustain huge contracts like $10 mil a year? Anyone remember what happened to Yashin's huge contract? What'll happen when the greenback recovers? Are players like Malkin, Ovechkin, and Gonchar (let's say they do go) come back for the better exchange rate? That'll just open up a new can of worms. What about the KHL's product? Will it also be like the WHA's, like that massive bench-clearing brawl last year in the Russian Super League?

Answer 7

SO they get alot of Russians staying and NHL cast-offs... big deal. Also the possibility of Older NHLers since they play less games. That just paves the way for more North American players in the NHL. Fine by me!

The biggest TV market wont be watching any of it, in North America. They have to talk big, like they are, its the only way they can even start to generate interest in the League. Most of it is HOT AIR.. so you got Simon and Graham (lol).... and you keep your middle of the road players (2nd liners on down).... Maybe one year the Winner of the CUP can play the Winner of the KFL.... a nice 10-1 score will put to rest the quality of their league pretty fast.

Answer 8

I wouldn't worry aboot that.The money is nice but everyones dream is to play in the NHL.Mikey mentioned the other day that half of the money that players make have to go back to the Russian govt.That is not from me thats Mikeys answer.

Would you rather play for $15 million in Russia where the talent isn't top notch and the League isn't the best in the World or make $10 Million and play in the best league with the best players in the world.That would be like Brett Favre playing for $30 million for the XFL..Steve Young did get a huge contract from the USFL and they eventually folded.So it does happen but not very likely.