If it goes Yakupov then Forsberg is the pick him or Murray?
- habby

I'd take Galchenyuk, but the Habs would probably take Murray.

Not overblown in terms of salary.
- oniremosewa

For mid-level guys? Sure. I'm pretty sure for the top guys, quality of life, is better as an NHLer.

Besides, most of them are highly competitive and want to play in the best league I think. Guys like Radulov are the exception.

but my point is that to be a star in the NHL you have to work. OV, Malkin, etc, these guys work hard and don't float by on talent. the KHL offers guys the opportunity to make money and be league stars without working hard. and if hockey isn't a passion, that's a good option for a player.
- DoubleDown

I agree. Lol Zherdev. It's with any league, Is Corey Locke just trying to stay in the AHL? Why won't he come over to the NHL!? Rickard Wallin is a beast in Sweden sign that sucker and bring him over.

but my point is that to be a star in the NHL you have to work. OV, Malkin, etc, these guys work hard and don't float by on talent. the KHL offers guys the opportunity to make money and be league stars without working hard. and if hockey isn't a passion, that's a good option for a player.
- DoubleDown

That's the difference indeed. Filatov sucked, yeah, but you gotta wonder how much effort he would put if there was no other option constantly floating around. For a north american player, it's the NHl or nothing. For a russian, it's the NHL, or pfff like WHATEVER - khl.

For mid-level guys? Sure. I'm pretty sure for the top guys, quality of life, is better as an NHLer.

Besides, most of them are highly competitive and want to play in the best league I think. Guys like Radulov are the exception.
- habby

Yeah. Personally, I don't fear the russian thing that much. I just don't want another AndreiK, or a Radulov. If Timmins feels a guy like Grigorenko will be fine, so be it.

That's the difference indeed. Filatov sucked, yeah, but you gotta wonder how much effort he would put if there was no other option constantly floating around. For a north american player, it's the NHl or nothing. For a russian, it's the NHL, or pfff like WHATEVER - khl.
- oniremosewa

You mean for top guys or any player?

You mean for top guys or any player?
- habby

Good question.

For mid-level guys? Sure. I'm pretty sure for the top guys, quality of life, is better as an NHLer.

Besides, most of them are highly competitive and want to play in the best league I think. Guys like Radulov are the exception.
- habby

agree on the exception but i don't think you can know for sure when drafting these kids at 18. it's obviously not a regular occurrence. i just think it's happened enough that it's something to consider for any team drafting high. though i don't see it happening with Yakupov.

Yeah. Personally, I don't fear the russian thing that much. I just don't want another AndreiK, or a Radulov. If Timmins feels a guy like Grigorenko will be fine, so be it.
- oniremosewa

I could see someone like him in Russia next year, if only because he's likely to get a better offer from them. I doubt there's too many guys that all things being equal wouldn't rather be in the NHL.

A guy like Perezehogin gets to be a top guy in the KHL instead of a 3rd line guy in the NHL.

Good question.
- oniremosewa

Lot's of North American players go over to europe instead of playing in the ECHL.

Seriously aside from Radulov how many "defectors" are actual NHL players? Filatov sucked and fled. Tikhonov sucked and fled. Frolov began to suck and fled. It isn't like there are 90 point skill guys choosing to stay. Prospects usually stay there until 20-22 but big deal, most aren't ready. We haven't had an OV, Malkin or any real star stay in Russia over the NHL. It's all bullpoop. Oh No! Kovalev is leaving? Yashin? OMG
- AdamFrench

Well it's not just the "defectors"... it's also the prospects you don't get to see for a while.

Emelin was drafted in 2004 and played in 2011. Sure we're happy now but it sure took a while....

Same thing with that great capitals's prospect that decided to stay in Russia for a while.

wonder if Plekanec could be nominated for the Selke one day...

I could see someone like him in Russia next year, if only because he's likely to get a better offer from them. I doubt there's too many guys that all things being equal wouldn't rather be in the NHL.

A guy like Perezehogin gets to be a top guy in the KHL instead of a 3rd line guy in the NHL.
- habby

It's really too bad he left.

Seriously aside from Radulov how many "defectors" are actual NHL players? Filatov sucked and fled. Tikhonov sucked and fled. Frolov began to suck and fled. It isn't like there are 90 point skill guys choosing to stay. Prospects usually stay there until 20-22 but big deal, most aren't ready. We haven't had an OV, Malkin or any real star stay in Russia over the NHL. It's all bullpoop. Oh No! Kovalev is leaving? Yashin? OMG
- AdamFrench

Perezhogin?

Well it's not just the "defectors"... it's also the prospects you don't get to see for a while.

Emelin was drafted in 2004 and played in 2011. Sure we're happy now but it sure took a while....

Same thing with that great capital prospect that decided to stay in Russia for a while.
- Scabeh

Right, Kuznetsov. That really sucks for the Caps.

agree on the exception but i don't think you can know for sure when drafting these kids at 18. it's obviously not a regular occurrence. i just think it's happened enough that it's something to consider for any team drafting high. though i don't see it happening with Yakupov.
- DoubleDown

You look at a guy like Kuznetsov who would have been picked at the top of the 1st if not for the Russian factor. I think Washington will end up with a steal, once he comes over.

wonder if Plekanec could be nominated for the Selke one day...
- stinger67

He needs to win more faceoffs.

Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die...
- RealityChecker

Get rid of 95% of the hair, and this is how I picture Dan.

Well it's not just the "defectors"... it's also the prospects you don't get to see for a while.

Emelin was drafted in 2004 and played in 2011. Sure we're happy now but it sure took a while....

Same thing with that great capital prospect that decided to stay in Russia for a while.
- Scabeh

Kuznetsov just turned 20, signed for 2 years so he could play in Sochi in case the NHL boycotts it. Tarasenko is coming over, and these are just the guys drafted out of Russia and not playing in NA. I think we'll see a trend of more and more of the top Russians trying to go to the CHL to help their draft status and show commitment.

Thing is, would you have fell in love with a 22 year old Emelin who sucked at the time? Or would you have rather waited until he was 26 and fully developed so the fan base didn't run him off.

Siboire

Siboire
- stinger67

Siboire
- stinger67

Siboire
- stinger67

So wrong....how old are they? 12yrs old?

Siboire
- stinger67

So wrong....how old are they? 12yrs old?
- Symba007

The left one might be 16...plus ou moins 2