Russian One?

[Booster313 138]

The article about all the swedes got me thinking about the Russian Five and how much success we had with our drafting of Russian players over the years. I know the CBA with Russian is an issue but that didn't stop us from getting Fedorov to defect 16 years ago, so my question is why the lack of russians in Detroit recently and do you think it would benefit Datsyuk even more to have a russian forward to play along side.

Side Note- Yes I know we had Markov last year and Grigs was given an opportunity to make the team this year but to my knowledge he is the last Russian draft pick the Wings have made.

Thoughts???

[T.Low 1,011]

The article about all the swedes got me thinking about the Russian Five and how much success we had with our drafting of Russian players over the years. I know the CBA with Russian is an issue but that didn't stop us from getting Fedorov to defect 16 years ago, so my question is why the lack of russians in Detroit recently and do you think it would benefit Datsyuk even more to have a russian forward to play along side.

Side Note- Yes I know we had Markov last year and Grigs was given an opportunity to make the team this year but to my knowledge he is the last Russian draft pick the Wings have made.

Thoughts???

While I can't cite any of the articles I've read or give any links, the gist of it is that the Russian program is not what it once was. The national teams have not been the force as they have been in the past, the juniors haven't fared well. I think there is so much going on politically in Russia that the hockey program has lost a step, and a few other countries have stepped up.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

The article about all the swedes got me thinking about the Russian Five and how much success we had with our drafting of Russian players over the years. I know the CBA with Russian is an issue but that didn't stop us from getting Fedorov to defect 16 years ago, so my question is why the lack of russians in Detroit recently and do you think it would benefit Datsyuk even more to have a russian forward to play along side.

Side Note- Yes I know we had Markov last year and Grigs was given an opportunity to make the team this year but to my knowledge he is the last Russian draft pick the Wings have made.

Thoughts???

How many young impact Russians are there in the league that Detroit had a chance at drafting? Not many.

Detroit has some of the best scouts in the league. If there is young talent worth drafting, they know about it. I would think that not having more Russians has less to do with the lack of a transfer agreement, and more to do with the guys available to the Wings that have what the Wings are looking for, aren't Russian. Seems to be of late, that they are Swedes.

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

We have the best Swedish scouting in the NHL, so it makes sense that we'd go after Swedes since we know them better. We got some really good Russians back when it was much more difficult to scout Russians because we had some scouts over there. Now that most of the NHL has caught on to Russians it isn't as easy to get steals from there as it once was.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Russia's stubborness (if that's even a word) about signing an IIHF transfer agreement is going to halt any huge drafting of Russian prospects in the NHL. The lack of a transfer agreement between Russia and the NHL can be compared to the WGA strike and it's effects on the majority of tv shows.

As a hint to that, only 9 Russians were drafted last year. And, right now, there are only 28 in the NHL all together. It goes to show that the amount of Russian players has really dropped off in the league, for every team, because of their unwillingness to sign a transfer agreement.

[Earthhuman 8]

Russia's stubborness (if that's even a word) about signing an IIHF transfer agreement is going to halt any huge drafting of Russian prospects in the NHL. The lack of a transfer agreement between Russia and the NHL can be compared to the WGA strike and it's effects on the majority of tv shows.

As a hint to that, only 9 Russians were drafted last year. And, right now, there are only 28 in the NHL all together. It goes to show that the amount of Russian players has really dropped off in the league, for every team, because of their unwillingness to sign a transfer agreement.

28 is crazy. Lots of guys have gone back, though- Yashin, Markov, etc.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

Russia's stubborness (if that's even a word) about signing an IIHF transfer agreement is going to halt any huge drafting of Russian prospects in the NHL. The lack of a transfer agreement between Russia and the NHL can be compared to the WGA strike and it's effects on the majority of tv shows.

As a hint to that, only 9 Russians were drafted last year. And, right now, there are only 28 in the NHL all together. It goes to show that the amount of Russian players has really dropped off in the league, for every team, because of their unwillingness to sign a transfer agreement.

I would agree that the lack of a transfer agreement would make a prospect less enticing, but guys will still get drafted. Obviously the Ovechkin's, Malkin's, and Datsyuk's will get picked. It's the lesser talented guys who might get passed up.

Bottom line, if you are good enough, and have the desire to play in the NHL, it will happen.

[kozac 10]

Russia's stubborness (if that's even a word) about signing an IIHF transfer agreement is going to halt any huge drafting of Russian prospects in the NHL. The lack of a transfer agreement between Russia and the NHL can be compared to the WGA strike and it's effects on the majority of tv shows.

As a hint to that, only 9 Russians were drafted last year. And, right now, there are only 28 in the NHL all together. It goes to show that the amount of Russian players has really dropped off in the league, for every team, because of their unwillingness to sign a transfer agreement.

The number is a little skewed because a lot of them are choosing to go back or they don't even try to come over here because they get paid pretty well over there with all that oil money coming through and they only have to do half the work. Sounds like a sweet deal if you ask me. I think that right now, unless you're a superstar that will be making over $3mil in the NHL, its not really worth it for them. Take into account that life is also cheaper in Russia than it is here.

[Kp-Wings 3]

28 is crazy. Lots of guys have gone back, though- Yashin, Markov, etc.

That's really just greediness, if anything. Especially in Yashin's case. That guy will forever be a benchmark into a Russian stereotype, because he turned down a chance to continue playing in the NHL for a slightly higher paycheck in Russia. Normally that's not that big of a deal, but Yashin is still making money from being bought out by the NY Islanders (don't know the exact figures, so I'll ballpark it between 2 and 5 million). If he is that concerned about making an extra million, while still making a lot of money to begin with, that shows he's greedy.

Markov... I don't know what his deal is. I don't know how he thinks he's worth 4 million a season, because he's not. He'd certainly be a welcome addition on this current Wings team, but not at the price tag he comes with. I can't believe his thought process in the whole matter.

Most of the time, I don't think it does come down to greediness. I don't believe in the "greedy Russian" stereotype like some do, but that doesn't go say that there isn't any greedy Russians, which there is. Look at Yashin. He's making good money already, yet he is still going back to Russia for more money. That's greedy in my book. The fact that he happens to be Russian is merely a coincidence, since that trait reflects more on his personality, and not on his nationality.

I would agree that the lack of a transfer agreement would make a prospect less enticing, but guys will still get drafted. Obviously the Ovechkin's, Malkin's, and Datsyuk's will get picked. It's the lesser talented guys who might get passed up.

Bottom line, if you are good enough, and have the desire to play in the NHL, it will happen.

Oh no, I'm not saying the drafting will completely stop. Russians are still being drafted, and that will always happen. But if last year's draft is any indication of what the near future holds, the numbers are falling right now (9 out of 211 picks is very low).

The number is a little skewed because a lot of them are choosing to go back or they don't even try to come over here because they get paid pretty well over there with all that oil money coming through and they only have to do half the work. Sounds like a sweet deal if you ask me. I think that right now, unless you're a superstar that will be making over $3mil in the NHL, its not really worth it for them. Take into account that life is also cheaper in Russia than it is here.

Yeah, I suppose that's a factor into it, but Russia always seems like a country that has it's problems. If a player get's a chance to come here to play, I'd think they'd take it. Not always of course, but there are some Russians who do want to play in North America and win a Stanley Cup, but might not be able to due to lack of transfer agreement, and not getting drafted in the first place.

I think the lack of a transfer agreement is the biggest reason why there is a decline in Russian hockey players. There are exceptions, such as greed (Yashin), or just wanting to stay in your home country close to your family, but I belive that there are a lot of Russian hockey players that would like to play in the NHL, but can't, due to the lack of a transfer agreement.

Edited November 21, 2007 by Kp-Wings

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

That's really just greediness, if anything. Especially in Yashin's case. That guy will forever be a benchmark into a Russian stereotype, because he turned down a chance to continue playing in the NHL for a slightly higher paycheck in Russia. Normally that's not that big of a deal, but Yashin is still making money from being bought out by the NY Islanders (don't know the exact figures, so I'll ballpark it between 2 and 5 million). If he is that concerned about making an extra million, while still making a lot of money to begin with, that shows he's greedy.

Oh no, I'm not saying the drafting will completely stop. Russians are still being drafted, and that will always happen. But if last year's draft is any indication of what the near future holds, the numbers are falling right now (9 out of 211 picks is very low).

Yeah, I suppose that's a factor into it, but Russia always seems like a country that has it's problems. If a player get's a chance to come here to play, I'd think they'd take it. Not always of course, but there are some Russians who do want to play in North America and win a Stanley Cup, but might not be able to due to lack of transfer agreement, and not getting drafted in the first place.

I think the lack of a transfer agreement is the biggest reason why there is a decline in Russian hockey players. There are exceptions, such as greed (Yashin), or just wanting to stay in your home country close to your family, but I belive that there are a lot of Russian hockey players that would like to play in the NHL, but can't, due to the lack of a transfer agreement.

Fist off, earlier you said that there were only 28 current NHLers who hailed from Russia. I thought that seemed a bit low. So, since I had nothing better to do, I did a little research. I came up with 32, 3 of which are questionable. I still have a hard time believing 29 NHLers are Russian. That seems really low. In case you are wondering, here is the list I came up with, the players with the * after their names are the ones who are questionable.

1. Afinigenov

2. Brylin

3. Brysgalov

4. Chistov*

5. Datsyuk

6. Fedorov

7. Frolov

8. Gonchar

9. Gebeshkov

10. Kaigorodov*

11. Kalinin

12. Khabibulin

13. Kondratiev

14. Kovalchuk

15. Kovalev

16. Kozlov, Vi

17. Kozlov, Vy

18. Lisin*

19. Malkin

20. Markov, A

21. Ovechkin

22. Radulov

23. Samsonov

24. Saprykin

25. Semenov

26. Semin

27. Tolpeko

28. Tyutin

29. Volchenkov

30. Zhamnov*

31. Zubov

32. Zyuzin

Finally, I don't think you can really call Yashin greedy. I think Russians for that matter generally get a bad rep. I mean, yeah, they often do leave for what seems like a small amount. But I think we are missing some things. They are Russians, it's their home. They left to come here and play hockey. You can bet they get homesick. Yeah, I know they can travel back home in the offseason, but it isn't the same as living there. Over here, they are forced not only to play a different style hockey, but eat different foods, speak different languages, travel a lot more, and deal with a different culture. That is a lot to have to put up with to play hockey. Also take note that in Russia they don't pay taxes on they money they earn. So that extra million you say Yashin is making in Russia would be like making $1.25 here (based on 20% tax rate, which I'm sure Yashin would be in a higher tax bracket.)

All those things add up to something the NHL and North America can't offer. Yes the Cup is a big draw. But sometimes there are more important things in life than some hardware.

[lfd250 1]

The wings go after the best available player, doesn't matter where he's from. Right now it's the swedes they've done well in international play and that's why they are getting the looks. Just their turn.

[Kp-Wings 3]

The 4 guys you mentioned are no longer playing in the NHL, as of my knowledge.

Chistov vacated back to Russia over the summer. He apparently wasn't happy with a limited role in Boston, so he signed a contract with a Russian team. The Bruins had to suspend Chistov, because he was still under contract with them.

Kaigorodov remains property of the Phoenix Coyotes from the Mike Comrie trade, but is not signed by the team. He is currently playing for Magnitogorsk Metallurg in the RSL.

Lisen is currently playing in the AHL, after starting out in Russia. I guess you could include him, although technically he isn't playing in the NHL.

Zhamnov is an unknown case. He's battled injuries for quite a while now. The Bruins tried to buy out his contract in the summer of 2006, but couldn't because of his injury status. He didn't play in the 2006-2007 season with anyone, and sat out the whole year. He's never officially confirmed retirement or anything. I don't know what to include him as, because he's not playing with anyone, but his name and contract status might still appear on the Bruins contract listing.

Those 4 names I did not include my listing. I guess now that Lisen is back from Russia, you can include him, bringing it up to 29. But the other 3 you really can't. While Chistov and Kaigorodov are still property of an NHL team, neither of them are signed to NHL contracts (well, technically Chistov is, but he's not playing under it). As for Zhamnov: he hasn't been heard from in over 2 years, so unless he makes a big comeback, he's done.

As for Yashin: Yashin's wife is an American, and you've got to wonder what she thinks of that. Unless Yashin really wanted to be closer to his parents or something, he took the money and ran in my opinion. That's just how I feel about him.

It wouldn't have mattered if he wasn't Russian. I already said that I don't usually go by that Russian stereotype, because it's stupid. Yeah, there are guys like Yashin and Vladimir Malakhov who play like that, but there are also guys like Larionov and Konstintinov that aren't that way at all. I just believe it goes through the persons individual personality. In Yashin's case, I think he is greedy. But, that's just me. If Yashin's intention were to be closer to family, then I apologize for my accusations.

Going back to the list, if you include Lisen, that brings it up to 29 players, which is still very low. The other 3 don't qualify, because 2 of them are playing in Russia, while the other one has disappeared for well over 2 years now.

Edited November 21, 2007 by Kp-Wings

[RedWings Gone Wild 6]

That's really just greediness, if anything. Especially in Yashin's case. That guy will forever be a benchmark into a Russian stereotype, because he turned down a chance to continue playing in the NHL for a slightly higher paycheck in Russia. Normally that's not that big of a deal, but Yashin is still making money from being bought out by the NY Islanders (don't know the exact figures, so I'll ballpark it between 2 and 5 million). If he is that concerned about making an extra million, while still making a lot of money to begin with, that shows he's greedy.

Honestly, the term greedy is unecessary. I mean, honestly, can you blame him for going back to Russia? Or any of these guys? I think the lack of Russian's in the NHL is greatly due to the salary cap. Some guys, like your Malkins, Semins, and Ovechkins can make big time bucks in the NHL because they are some of the top players in the world. However, the players that aren't elite can make more money at home, while being AT HOME. Why go to a country where you don't know the language, don't have friends or family, have to earn your spot, adjust to a different style of hockey, and still wind up making less money? Why bother?

We can still entice some guys over here who are top tallents (like Grigs was), because it has long-term incentive for these guys if they can prove themselves. However, it's not worth it for players who are just going to be 3rd of 4th liners with an average sallary. So you won't see tons of Russians in the league.

EDIT: I know Yashin was alrdy established in the NHL, but if u can make more $ while being close to friends and family.. why not?

Edited November 21, 2007 by RedWings Gone Wild

[lets go pavel 2]

i think another thing that is often overlooked when talking about "greedy" Russian players going back overseas to play is that the situtation with Russia is different from most if not all other countries ... historically Russia/Soviet Union has obviously had a big rivalry with the U.S. and that manifests itself in sports ... the Russian teams are willing to pay it's players more than perhaps they are worth to keep them there so that their league can try to rival the NHL ... I don't think this is the case with any other countries, certainly not to the extent that it is with Russia ...

hand-in-hand with this is that most of the NHL is American or Canadian -- they may be just as "greedy", but there isn't another league back home bidding for their services ... while an American or Canadian may occasionally get an offer from overseas it usually doesn't match what they could get in the NHL ... so in a sense there is less competition for their services and hence less opportunity for them to appear greedy ... i'm sure if Canada started its own hockey league on par with the NHL we would see plenty of "greedy" Canadians leaving the NHL for better money back home ...

[eva unit zero 271]

The 4 guys you mentioned are no longer playing in the NHL, as of my knowledge.

Chistov vacated back to Russia over the summer. He apparently wasn't happy with a limited role in Boston, so he signed a contract with a Russian team. The Bruins had to suspend Chistov, because he was still under contract with them.

Kaigorodov remains property of the Phoenix Coyotes from the Mike Comrie trade, but is not signed by the team. He is currently playing for Magnitogorsk Metallurg in the RSL.

Lisen is currently playing in the AHL, after starting out in Russia. I guess you could include him, although technically he isn't playing in the NHL.

Zhamnov is an unknown case. He's battled injuries for quite a while now. The Bruins tried to buy out his contract in the summer of 2006, but couldn't because of his injury status. He didn't play in the 2006-2007 season with anyone, and sat out the whole year. He's never officially confirmed retirement or anything. I don't know what to include him as, because he's not playing with anyone, but his name and contract status might still appear on the Bruins contract listing.

Those 4 names I did not include my listing. I guess now that Lisen is back from Russia, you can include him, bringing it up to 29. But the other 3 you really can't. While Chistov and Kaigorodov are still property of an NHL team, neither of them are signed to NHL contracts (well, technically Chistov is, but he's not playing under it). As for Zhamnov: he hasn't been heard from in over 2 years, so unless he makes a big comeback, he's done.

As for Yashin: Yashin's wife is an American, and you've got to wonder what she thinks of that. Unless Yashin really wanted to be closer to his parents or something, he took the money and ran in my opinion. That's just how I feel about him.

It wouldn't have mattered if he wasn't Russian. I already said that I don't usually go by that Russian stereotype, because it's stupid. Yeah, there are guys like Yashin and Vladimir Malakhov who play like that, but there are also guys like Larionov and Konstintinov that aren't that way at all. I just believe it goes through the persons individual personality. In Yashin's case, I think he is greedy. But, that's just me. If Yashin's intention were to be closer to family, then I apologize for my accusations.

Going back to the list, if you include Lisen, that brings it up to 29 players, which is still very low. The other 3 don't qualify, because 2 of them are playing in Russia, while the other one has disappeared for well over 2 years now.

There are not 29, or 28.

According to NHL.com's stats page, there are 27 Russians who have played an NHL game this season:

F: Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk, Datsyuk, Frolov, Kovalev, Radulov, S.Kozlov, Fedorov, V.Kozlov, Afinogenov, Brylin, Samsonov, Tolpeko, Semin

D: Gonchar, Zubov, A.Markov, Tyutin, Volchenko, Semenov, Zyuzin, Grebeshkov, Kalinin, Kondratiev

G: Khabibulin, Bryzgalov

Saprykin is the guy you guys both missed; he's playing in Russia this season also.

[Guest jaytan]

This is a joke thread, right?

The last thing we need on the team is more Russians.

[Echolalia 2,961]

Grigs will play next year

[RedWings Gone Wild 6]

This is a joke thread, right?

The last thing we need on the team is more Russians.

What a good point you make. After all, the Russian's we've had thus far haven't done us any good! Why get more?

Datsyuk, Federov, Konstantinov, Fetisov, Kozlov, Larionov, Markov.... all bums! I'd hate to have "more" of them!

[wingslogo19 281]

This is a joke thread, right?

The last thing we need on the team is more Russians.

And why do you say that?

[betterREDthandead 58]

The number is a little skewed because a lot of them are choosing to go back or they don't even try to come over here because they get paid pretty well over there with all that oil money coming through and they only have to do half the work. Sounds like a sweet deal if you ask me. I think that right now, unless you're a superstar that will be making over $3mil in the NHL, its not really worth it for them. Take into account that life is also cheaper in Russia than it is here.

I think that's the number one reason right there. No need to really overanalyze. The lack of a transfer agreement is one thing, but the main thing is that Russian teams are now paying more money than they used to - and certainly paying a lot more than teams in Sweden or the Czech Republic pay. $1 million goes much farther in Russia than it does in the US - it's probably better pay than $2 million here.

[Guest jaytan]

And why do you say that?

There are several very strong reasons, both related to the financial viability of the franchise and to the quality of the team's play. First off, and most importantly, everyone knows that Russians (in particular, but most European players in general) aren't really guys who play hard for their NHL clubs and do what it takes in the spring to get the Cup. This team is already very un-balanced when it comes to Europeans vs. North American players and we really don't need to add any selfish, greedy, self-absorbed cancers who aren't willing to play tough hockey.

Also - and this has also been very well established - the Eurocentric make-up of the current incarnation of the Red Wings is hurting the franchise's image with its fans. Fewer people are going to games and most Wings fans aren't really enthusiatic about the guys on the roster. This can't be stressed enough. You know it and I know it.

Finally, this team is the softest in the league. Why make it softer?

There's not really any way you can argue these points.

[lets go pavel 2]

There are several very strong reasons, both related to the financial viability of the franchise and to the quality of the team's play. First off, and most importantly, everyone knows that Russians (in particular, but most European players in general) aren't really guys who play hard for their NHL clubs and do what it takes in the spring to get the Cup. This team is already very un-balanced when it comes to Europeans vs. North American players and we really don't need to add any selfish, greedy, self-absorbed cancers who aren't willing to play tough hockey.

Also - and this has also been very well established - the Eurocentric make-up of the current incarnation of the Red Wings is hurting the franchise's image with its fans. Fewer people are going to games and most Wings fans aren't really enthusiatic about the guys on the roster. This can't be stressed enough. You know it and I know it.

Finally, this team is the softest in the league. Why make it softer?

There's not really any way you can argue these points.

actually there is ...

i seem to remember winning a cup or two with 4 or 5 Russians on the team in the not-so-distant past, and i don't think any of them took those sprng months off ... but i guess they must have been the exception to your indisputable generalization ...

and i'm not sure it has been well-established that it is "the Eurocentric make-up of the current incarnation of the Red Wings" that is hurting attendance and popularity ... i believe people have identified a number of reasons for the drop-off in attendance, including the poor economy and the resurgence of the other sports team in Detroit ... moreover, the only North American Wings that I can think of that cultivated any irreplacable devotion in fans were Stevie and Shanny, and I don't think the reason they were more popular than Hank and Pavel are now was because they were North American ... they were here longer ... give Hank and pavel a few more years and I think they will be just as popular (well, maybe not as popular as Stevie, but who is?) ...

as for this team being the softest in the league, we all know our style of play is puck possession and not hitting, but we held our own against Calgary and SJ last year, 2 teams that most people consider to be pretty physical ... just because we don't play that way of our own choosing doesn't mean we can't play that way ... and as for your assumption that all Russians are soft, need I mention a certain #16 on defense?

[RedWings Gone Wild 6]

First off, and most importantly, everyone knows that Russians (in particular, but most European players in general) aren't really guys who play hard for their NHL clubs and do what it takes in the spring to get the Cup.

By this I'm sure you mean Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, and Holmstrom right? For the record, they are currently our top 4 scorers. But I'm sure you can find a ton of recent cup winning teams without any european players on the roster.... yea... you kinda suck.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

The 4 guys you mentioned are no longer playing in the NHL, as of my knowledge.

Chistov vacated back to Russia over the summer. He apparently wasn't happy with a limited role in Boston, so he signed a contract with a Russian team. The Bruins had to suspend Chistov, because he was still under contract with them.

Kaigorodov remains property of the Phoenix Coyotes from the Mike Comrie trade, but is not signed by the team. He is currently playing for Magnitogorsk Metallurg in the RSL.

Lisen is currently playing in the AHL, after starting out in Russia. I guess you could include him, although technically he isn't playing in the NHL.

Zhamnov is an unknown case. He's battled injuries for quite a while now. The Bruins tried to buy out his contract in the summer of 2006, but couldn't because of his injury status. He didn't play in the 2006-2007 season with anyone, and sat out the whole year. He's never officially confirmed retirement or anything. I don't know what to include him as, because he's not playing with anyone, but his name and contract status might still appear on the Bruins contract listing.

Those 4 names I did not include my listing. I guess now that Lisen is back from Russia, you can include him, bringing it up to 29. But the other 3 you really can't. While Chistov and Kaigorodov are still property of an NHL team, neither of them are signed to NHL contracts (well, technically Chistov is, but he's not playing under it). As for Zhamnov: he hasn't been heard from in over 2 years, so unless he makes a big comeback, he's done.

As for Yashin: Yashin's wife is an American, and you've got to wonder what she thinks of that. Unless Yashin really wanted to be closer to his parents or something, he took the money and ran in my opinion. That's just how I feel about him.

It wouldn't have mattered if he wasn't Russian. I already said that I don't usually go by that Russian stereotype, because it's stupid. Yeah, there are guys like Yashin and Vladimir Malakhov who play like that, but there are also guys like Larionov and Konstintinov that aren't that way at all. I just believe it goes through the persons individual personality. In Yashin's case, I think he is greedy. But, that's just me. If Yashin's intention were to be closer to family, then I apologize for my accusations.

Going back to the list, if you include Lisen, that brings it up to 29 players, which is still very low. The other 3 don't qualify, because 2 of them are playing in Russia, while the other one has disappeared for well over 2 years now.

Thus the * next to each of those 4 players names. As pointed out by Eva, both of us did miss Saprykin. I've also wondered what the hell happened to Zhamnov. Just the other night my buddy and I were watching the 'Top 10 Penalty Shots of 03-04 (I think)' on the NHL network. They had Zhamnov on the list, and neither of us could remember hearing anything about him recently. According to TSN he officially announced his retirement on 9-16-06. But according to NHL.com he is currently on the Bruins roster. I'm banking on TSN.

[seeinred 1,488]

That's really just greediness, if anything. Especially in Yashin's case. That guy will forever be a benchmark into a Russian stereotype, because he turned down a chance to continue playing in the NHL for a slightly higher paycheck in Russia. Normally that's not that big of a deal, but Yashin is still making money from being bought out by the NY Islanders (don't know the exact figures, so I'll ballpark it between 2 and 5 million). If he is that concerned about making an extra million, while still making a lot of money to begin with, that shows he's greedy.

I've never been a fan of this argument. When it comes down to it, playing hockey is their career. If you could make an extra million somewhere else, I'm pretty sure you'd take it. Granted the players who do things like that will never be fan-favorites, but I don't agree with vilifying them because of it. Obviously you're going to like a Stevie better than a Yashin, but he's not a bad person for taking the higher offer. When it comes down to it, a million dollars is a million dollars, whether you're making 20k a year or 10 mil a year.

Edited November 22, 2007 by SeeinRed