The Alexander Radulov scandal has certainly given us something interesting to talk about during a rather slow off-season. While we can understand why a semi-washed up Jaromir Jagr might want to play in the new KHL, it's hard to fathom why a guy like Radulov, with his best years yet to come, would want to flee the NHL early to join a league that has yet to play an actual game that counts.Over at Russianprospects.com, Alexander opens up on his feelings about the whole matter in a very telling interview. This quote, regarding his possible suspension by the IIHF, certainly jumps up and smacks one in the face.
I can understand both sides. But the position of the Continental Hockey League has significantly more weight: NHL for 15 years brought young players from Europe, first and foremost from Russia. I think that it is time to end this. Simply put: time to stop robbing us!
Oh, the big bad EVIL NHL has been robbing poor Mother Russia blind like a highway robber! A single tear rolls down my cheek.
Radulov should very well understand the concept of PERSONAL CHOICE. Yes, those Russians playing in the NHL made a very personal choice to leave their home country and play in the NHL. Nobody forced Alexander Radulov to play with the Preds in the first place, or play in the Canadian Hockey League as a prospect. Nobody dragged Pavel Bure on a ball and chain to play with the Canucks, right? In fact, I distinctly recall Bure fleeing Russia because it was such a bad place to live and play.
I don't mind that Radulov wants to play at home, but spare us the Cold War rhetoric. kthx!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-15-2008 @ 12:37PM
vadim sharifijanov said...
jez, that's idiotic. the point is not that the NHL "forced" russian players to play in their league. radulov's point is to justify his bolting to the KHL while under contract because russian players have been allowed (by the IIHF) to break their russian league contracts to go play in the NHL for the last 18 years. whether or not radulov's point is valid is up for debate, but he's talking about the IIHF's double standard and the decimation of the russian hockey's talent pool in the 90s, which is hardly "cold war rhetoric."
"I distinctly recall Bure fleeing Russia because it was such a bad place to live and play" . . . that's cold war rhetoric.
Reply
8-15-2008 @ 11:04PM
Randy said...
The Russians used to reap great financial benefit when the American dollar was robust. Now the combination of National pride and the weak dollar has the Russians feeling its better off to have their young studs stay home. Even fading Superstars like Jagr and Yashin are worth paying exorbitant sums of money to keep them in their Super Leagues. Until the dollar strengthens you may see this trend spread to Sweden,Finland and the Czech leagues. This is merely financial cause and effect.
Reply
8-15-2008 @ 11:04PM
Colonial said...
Agreed.
The "robbing" he is referring to concerns the scraps of cash NHL teams have thrown Russia in previous transfer agreements. However, considering how few Russians actually play in the NHL these days I think most of the robbery is over.
Reply
8-24-2008 @ 7:30PM
Jeff said...
As a season ticket holder in Nashville and an avid fan, My feelings on this are as follows; Hey Rad, when the preds first aquired you the fans supported you. The fans always support you. Although I understand that he wants to play in his own country, he should have enough respect for the game and the fans in Nashville to honor his contract. When his contract expires then go home and play there. All he is doing right now is disrespecting the team and the fans. Remember one thing, If you leave early and the other league falls apart don't expect a warm welcome back. At least have some respect for the fans that support you!
Reply