Svechnikov to Russia
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Svechnikov already saying untrue. Well that was fun...
Winging it in Motown posted a rough translation of a rumor stating the Evgeni Svechnikov will be returning to Russia to play with AK Bars. There is plenty of reason to question the report as it remains unconfirmed. Without knowing any context, I find it possible, not probable.
First and foremost there are jobs up for grabs in Detroit. A lot of them. Svechnikov would have every opportunity to fill in for players like Erne or Perlini who are on expiring contracts. Unless the organization isn’t planning on qualifying Svechnikov (doubtful) and have told him to move on (doubtful again) this only makes sense if Evgeni is trying to force some sort of trade. If you’ve been around this player, that doesn’t seem to be his style. He is commitment personified and as good a human being as you’ll meet. He sent his entire signing bonus to his parents and never stops working.
Last summer similar rumors popped up regarding deals in place for Puljuljarvi and other guaranteed moves by Yzerman. The vetting of these rumors is insanely difficult, but they spread like wildfires in a drought because of the appetite of fans for something, anything. Yzerman’s presser post deadline showed the frustration of Detroit writers at the lack of direct information, so rumors like this are used to try and get management to break the cone of silence.
With Athanasiou gone and Erne and Perlini expiring, Rasmussen and Svech will both have a real shot to make the team out of camp. Veleno and whoever Yzerman’s top pick are, Seider, McIsaac, Lindstrom and others will be chomping at the bit with Daley, Ericsson and Green all gone. (Nemeth and/or Biega could depart as well). And so, it’s wide open. GR is in a playoff hunt, and it’s not like Detroit management will be tied up with NHL playoff games. The spotlight will be on them, and only them. Steve isn’t in NYR “pay for a premium Free Agent to lose fewer games” mode.
But, if Svechnikov truly feels like he needs a change of scenery, this would be step one. Have your foreign agent set up a deal “just in case”. Non committal, but a place to land. And then, try to play hardball with no arbitration rights and not much of an NHL track record. Seems iffy folks.
Regardless, we may find out that other pieces were “close” to being moved (Thornton and Parise know what that feels like). That instability leaves a bitter taste at times. Excitement for a new opportunity turns into disappointment when the clock strikes 3. As with Parise, a deal may be done closer to the draft. I’ve thought for a long time that Carolina would be the preferred destination (change the name to Philadelphia if you’d like) and kick on the brotherly love.
Just brace yourselves. The rumor mill is desperate for anything out of Detroit and “almost trades” are going to be vomited Linda Blair style while your head spins. With Yzerman, unless something is done, it doesn’t exist. We’ve seen strange things in the past year - NYR buying out Shattenkirk and keeping Smith. So, stay tuned for more...
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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