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Kiselevich: ''In KHL I would earn more but I couldn't say no to Panthers'' |
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28-year-old Russian defensemen Bogdan Kiselevich signed an NHL contract with Florida Panthers on Saturday meaning that player would leave KHL's CSKA Moscow to pursue the dream of every hockey player.
Kiselevich spent last four seasons playing for CSKA Moscow in the KHL. In the final year in Russia, he played 44 games recording 16 assists while in Gagarin cup playoffs he played in 21 games scoring a goal and recording an assist.
As it has already been reported Kiselevich signed a one-year one-way deal with the Florida Panthers that is worth $650,000.
''When else if not now? I'm at the best age and the timing is great. If I would have stayed in Russia any longer, I don't think I would ever have a chance to play in the NHL. The older you get the harder it is to gather interest around you. My decision has nothing to do with money but it's the progress of my career. When a chance to play in the NHL presents itself it's hard to say no and it's never about money'' said Kiselevich in an interview with Russian news site ''Championat''.
''It wasn't the easiest thing to do, but I have to thank my family, they always supported me. I know that I would regret it if I never tried (to make the jump to NHL). the newly signed Panther said. ''Me and my wife, we had a conversation, yes I would have earned more in the KHL but we haven't really been broke either. We help our parents and our kids have always had everything.''
Meanwhile his agent Dan Milstein admitted that Kiselevich had quite a few offers in the NHL and KHL.
''In Russia, he was offered two and a half times bigger salary than with the Panthers'' Milstein said. ''He spoke with Dale (Tallon) and then called me and said that he likes the role he has been offered and the team they are building in Florida. Which is why Panthers were always his priority'' agent added.
CSKA Moscow has also thanked their defensemen for his services during his tenure with the team.
"I want to congratulate and thank Kiselevich for his time with the club. He fairly earned his new contract and the CSKA organization wish him luck'' said team president Igor Esmantovich.
It was also made clear that CSKA Moscow will always be open to the player returning to their team but good luck wishes were sent.
''Can we say that it's a loss four our organization? Of course! He is an Olympic champion, he is a player that spends over 20 minutes on the ice for CSKA and Team Russia. Of course, it's a loss for us'' Esmantovich finished.
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