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Another edition of ''KHL'' insider mailbag - This edition we pay attention to a lot more IIHF specific things while also visit NHL and KHL.
Have you seen team Canada practice at all ahead of their tune-up with Latvia? If so, any hint at some possible line combos?
— SAJHockey (@SAJHockey) April 30, 2018
Edmundson - Ekblad Murray - Parayko Nurse - Pulock Chabot rotating As for the goalies, McElhinney and Keumper will battle it out for starters net. DiPietro will travel to Denmark as third string and won't be registered on the 25-man roster until necessary.
Is rinat valiev heading for khl ?
— Alex Enzo (@alexenzo55) April 30, 2018
Many believe that Valiev is indeed headed for the KHL, although a final decision hasn't been made yet, I won't be surprised if his signing is announced as soon as tomorrow when KHL free agency opens.
Any NHL interest in Albert Yarullin?
— Mark Bowie (@bowiepuck) April 30, 2018
There is some, but don't know when something could happen, he seems like the guy that could go long into summer without a deal unless he settles for another year with AkBars.
What are some player comparables to Vitaly Kravtsov? Really would like the Flyers to take him
— Steven Osherow (@Steven_Osherow) April 30, 2018
He strikes me as Mika Zibanejad type of player but with a lot more scoring touch and much better hockey IQ.
V. Tkachev has out clause in contract with AK Bars that allows him to sign in NHL??
— randy johnson (@teddygmr) April 30, 2018
Not that I know of, it's extremely rare for a player in the KHL to have any kind of out-clause. Even if he had, I highly doubt he would be using it to leave a team that is gearing up for another Gagarin cup run next season.
How much do you think front offices in European leagues are incorporating analytics in their decision making?
— Colin Cudmore (@CudmoreColin) March 6, 2018
I know for a fact quite a few in Sweden and Finland use them, but other than that the percentage is very small and rightfully so - Not enough of the leagues track the data necessary to paint even close to a ''decent'' picture in terms of player quality.
Do you think Ryan O'Reilly will be moved this summer?
— Larry Skywalker (@johnnyb1211) April 30, 2018
I won't say that I'm 100% sure they will because even the Buffalo Sabres don't know what they will do. I will say this - If a team comes calling with an offer that is worth considering GMJB will do exactly what.
Also Kovalchuk is 35 now, do you think he'll even be that great in the NHL still?
— Larry Skywalker (@johnnyb1211) April 30, 2018
Offensively - Yes. I'm not so sure about him being fast or able to defend.
Any chance Carolina takes Tkachuk OR Zadina , ahead of Svechnikov ?
— Scott Thompson (@ScottTh66153768) April 30, 2018
I, unlike many NHL organization, have Zadina ahead of Svechnikov, but seeing how Carolina just changed their approach with the new ownership - I have no clue what they would do.
Any plans for Val Nikushkin to come back to nhl?
— Sabres/Amerk News (@SabresAmerknews) April 30, 2018
Funny, last year at this time I said ''give it a year and then we will see'' - I had made a few inquiries to see what could happen and I know that Nichuskin will make a decision on his future solely based on where he will see him fit the most, and at this time I don't know where that is. Dallas Stars have kept in touch with him this whole time while he has been in the KHL and I truly do expect them to make a run to get him back.