CrossCheck24 2 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 Who's to say they all come to the NHL because it's better, though? For years, the NHL has proven to be the best economically - which is why so many defected. If Russia or Sweden or Czech Rep or whatever is going to start offering guys more than they make here, you don't think they'd leave - especially if superstars like Malkin start the trend? Euro leagues arent slouches. The Swedish Elite League features far better defense than NHL games. The Russian Super League is a treat. Those league teams can compete with North American talent. I don't think it's a matter of competition all that much. The Russians started coming over because it was a great league, and they didn't want to live in a communist state. The other leagues don't have the market that the NHL does. Russia may have more people, but they for the majority poor. Much like the MLS they aren't going to be able to pay more than a few players that kind of money to lure them away from not only the NHL, but the freedom that the US allows them. As others have said, why did he take a $2mil paycut to come to the NHL if he doesn't want to compete? If he left now he would not get a chance to prove to all the doubters that he can handle the pressure of the SCF and win a cup. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Probert 5 For Fighting 0 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 If he left now he would not get a chance to prove to all the doubters that he can handle the pressure of the SCF and win a cup. He's an athlete. Athletes don't care what a bunch of fans and journalists with too little to write about make up about them being unable to handle the "pressure" or "win the big one." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrossCheck24 2 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 He's an athlete. Athletes don't care what a bunch of fans and journalists with too little to write about make up about them being unable to handle the "pressure" or "win the big one." He has to prove to himself just as much as the fans and the writers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 (edited) Income tax in Russia is a flat 13% with no loopholes (at least for individual taxpayers). The article should have said "almost tax-free". There are no state or local income taxes. There is a 20% VAT (sales tax on all purchases). Prices on tradable goods, like food and clothing are the same as in the US. Housing (outside Moscow and St. Petersburg) is cheaper, services (like hairdressers) are cheaper. But economic stability is the main concern. I would bet money that Malkin will not go back for less than an obscene amount like US$20 mil., including a large up-front sighninhg bonus. *So all things equal* (especially given the economy problems/advantages of living in Russia vs. America) we're talking around $4-5 million extra per season to play in his home country versus playing in (whats considered at this point) the best league in the world. I don't necessarily fault him no matter what his decision is, but I sure would hate to see any form of a trend starting going the other way. That's my whole point. Edited June 20, 2008 by Never Forget Mac #25 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seeinred 1,488 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 He has to prove to himself just as much as the fans and the writers. No he doesn't. What if he doesn't care? That's fine to me. Obviously you're going to like the more loyal, hometown guys better most of the time, but I would have no problem with Malkin taking this offer. And if it was offered to Datsyuk or Zetterberg or anyone on the Wings, I'd be devastated if they took it, but I wouldn't think any less of them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Probert 5 For Fighting 0 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 He has to prove to himself just as much as the fans and the writers. Oh God. No he does not. He knows what he can do. If he ever wins a Cup, it's not because he did it by himself, but because he was just a piece of a championship team that stepped up at the right time. Pittsburgh failed against Detroit, not just Malkin. He proves himself by doing what he usually does - score lots and lots of points. He's 20 years old for crying out loud. His game is still being tweaked. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sibiriak 84 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 *So all things equal* (especially given the economy problems/advantages of living in Russia vs. America) we're talking around $4-5 million extra per season to play in his home country versus playing in (whats considered at this point) the best league in the world. I don't necessarily fault him no matter what his decision is, but I should would hate to see any form a trend starting going the other way. That's my whole point. Supposedly, the new Russian KHL is supposed to be living within its means with a salary cap of something like $10 mil. per team plus 3 or 4 "franchise" players whose salaries are excepted from the cap. I don't see more than a handful of first-caliber NHL stars going back. Most likely, the new league will attract marginal NHLers, aging Russian and European NHLers and perhaps a few bone-fide stars. In the next 5-7 years I don't see much threat to the NHL's talent pool. After that, we'll see, but I still wouldn't hold my breath. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlakChamber 8 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 I haaaaaaate the "If he's a true competitor..." argument. Why do you get to say what trophy he should want to play for? What if it's been his dream since he was little to be a Russian League champion? If he could net an extra 7-8 million per year in Russia, I couldn't fault him for taking it. He's a hockey player, but it's what he does to make a living and that much money makes a huge difference. I don't get why professional athletes get the "competition" and "loyalty" arguments when they take more money. If I got a job offer somewhere else in the same field for more money and better benefits and stuff, you can be sure as s*** I'd take it. I don't get why it's different. Great post Just imagine the s***storm around here if this had been Datsyuk when his contract was up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeeRYCE 2 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 This sucks, I love watching Malkin play. He skates and stickhandles like a vintage Sergei Fedorov, which is awesome to watch. I sadly think he will go back, I mean he can't speak a word of English, is from Russia, and they're offering him at least 2.5M more than an NHL team would. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrossCheck24 2 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 Oh God. No he does not. He knows what he can do. If he ever wins a Cup, it's not because he did it by himself, but because he was just a piece of a championship team that stepped up at the right time. Pittsburgh failed against Detroit, not just Malkin. He proves himself by doing what he usually does - score lots and lots of points. He's 20 years old for crying out loud. His game is still being tweaked. Sorry if I thought he is a competitor that wants to prove himself on the biggest stage in hockey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Probert 5 For Fighting 0 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 Sorry if I thought he is a competitor that wants to prove himself on the biggest stage in hockey. That's okay. It's a very common train of thought in a populace that largely believes in intangibles as opposed to actual athletic abilities. If you want to reform your life, join the church of firejoemorgan.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 Your hockey career ends when youre 40 or so. Theres a lot of life after that. Who knows if he has a dream to start a company, buy a hockey club, own more cars than Teemu Selanne... If you think playing pro hockey in your home for twice the money youd make in the NHL isnt enough for him to get over that whole "playing for the best league in the world" bit, give your head a shake. ANYONE in his right mind would be considering that deal. Players who get offered 3M deals in Russia still consider the offer, because tax free makes a big difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
58Miles2Joe 12 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 A league that actually competes with the NHL would be a good thing. It might be the only thing that could keep Bettman and the owners from completely ruining hockey by turning it into a McDonalds franchise. ("The new NHL, now with more vanilla!") Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA Report post Posted June 20, 2008 I agree, its hard to really understand what he is going through. He is halfway around the world away from his home. Of course the NHL is the best hockey league in the world, no one is disputing that. But put yourself in his shoes. He has the option to be in his home country earning a huge salary. He'll have to balance that with living in the US and still making good money while competing with worldwide top talent vs. Russian-only talent. I'm not going to knock on him if he leaves; it will be unfortunate for the league for him to go, but if he has a real competitive spirit, I think he'll stay. Its really good money/glory in the most talented league in the world vs. insanely good money/competing in your homeland Oh God. No he does not. He knows what he can do. If he ever wins a Cup, it's not because he did it by himself, but because he was just a piece of a championship team that stepped up at the right time. Pittsburgh failed against Detroit, not just Malkin. He proves himself by doing what he usually does - score lots and lots of points. He's 20 years old for crying out loud. His game is still being tweaked. Supposedly, the new Russian KHL is supposed to be living within its means with a salary cap of something like $10 mil. per team plus 3 or 4 "franchise" players whose salaries are excepted from the cap. I don't see more than a handful of first-caliber NHL stars going back. Most likely, the new league will attract marginal NHLers, aging Russian and European NHLers and perhaps a few bone-fide stars. In the next 5-7 years I don't see much threat to the NHL's talent pool. After that, we'll see, but I still wouldn't hold my breath. Jagr to Moscow Dyanmow (E5) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltgator333 3 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 I'm not going to fault the guy either way, there's good reasons to go either way and I truely believe it comes down to what's best in his own personal intrests. Malkin is not Yashin. Yashin left for money and he was semi-blacklisted in the NHL. Any team in the NHL would take Malkin and he can make plenty of money either way. What I'm getting at here is don't be stereotypical with the guy, if the stereotypes were 100% or close to being accurate there'd be nearly no Russian born players in the NHL. Alex the great would be gone already, so would Pavel, Federov, Gonchar, Zubov and probably others. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeeRYCE 2 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 I think he likes it here to be honest, the atmosphere of the NHL is way more exciting, and hopefully he has enjoyed the fame and success he has accomplished. For any Malkin lover, maybe a thing that could keep him here is the lovely North American ladies that he can get. Hopefully he takes that into consideration. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlakChamber 8 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 I think he likes it here to be honest, the atmosphere of the NHL is way more exciting, and hopefully he has enjoyed the fame and success he has accomplished. For any Malkin lover, maybe a thing that could keep him here is the lovely North American ladies that he can get. Hopefully he takes that into consideration. What are you basing your statement that he likes it here on? You two buddies, do you call him up and say "Malks, how's North America treating you?" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
henrik40 76 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 Does anyone know if his agent has commented on the situation? I mean I'm guessing if he has, it was somewhere along the lines of "we have no comment at this time". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DatsMyWings13 4 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 I hope he stays in the NHL! If he does leave I wouldn't blame him. I really hope this type of thing doesn't happen very often as I'd hate to loose world class hockey players to another league. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 I haaaaaaate the "If he's a true competitor..." argument. Why do you get to say what trophy he should want to play for? What if it's been his dream since he was little to be a Russian League champion? If he could net an extra 7-8 million per year in Russia, I couldn't fault him for taking it. He's a hockey player, but it's what he does to make a living and that much money makes a huge difference. I don't get why professional athletes get the "competition" and "loyalty" arguments when they take more money. If I got a job offer somewhere else in the same field for more money and better benefits and stuff, you can be sure as s*** I'd take it. I don't get why it's different. This reminds me of when he complained during the playoffs, after watching the Russians playing in the World Championships, that he'd rather be playing for THAT championship than the Stanley Cup. I seriously think he's more at home with his own countrymen than in the NHL if he's going to make comments like that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 This reminds me of when he complained during the playoffs, after watching the Russians playing in the World Championships, that he'd rather be playing for THAT championship than the Stanley Cup. I seriously think he's more at home with his own countrymen than in the NHL if he's going to make comments like that. I know he was fazed as the playoffs wore on (mainly because the Wings were able to shut him down), but I can't believe I didn't hear this quote. Anyone have a link? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 (edited) I know he was fazed as the playoffs wore on (mainly because the Wings were able to shut him down), but I can't believe I didn't hear this quote. Anyone have a link? I know I read it during the playoffs and I'm trying to Google it right now. Of course, if this turns out to be something I read in an internet version of the telephone game, I'll own up to it. EDIT: No luck Googling it...I'm starting to wonder if I heard it on XM Home Ice, which is entirely possible. I'm absolutely positive I didn't just make this up tho. I guess we'll find out what's what depending on Malkin's decision. Edited June 20, 2008 by edicius Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 I know I read it during the playoffs and I'm trying to Google it right now. Of course, if this turns out to be something I read in an internet version of the telephone game, I'll own up to it. PM me if you find it. Thanks edi. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xtrememachine1 795 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 If Malkin does leave for Russia, they'll lose a lot, so I don't see this happening... http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08172/891435-61.stm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-TownWing 0 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 The new Russian league, known as the Continental Hockey League, has turned to the likes of former NHLPA executive director Bob Goodenow to develop a strategy for competing against the NHL. It's a rivalry that seems certain to turn nasty. The Russian league executive confirmed teams have already started to offer contracts to some players who are already under contract to an NHL club. And while the Russian league will use a salary cap to control player expenses, the salary of a player who quits an NHL contract to play in Russia won't count against their cap. A Russian league official brushed off suggestions that the NHL would legally contest such contract offers. "What happened with Malkin when he came to the NHL?" the official said. After the Penguins drafted Malkin in 2004, he remained in Russia, where his club team argued he had an existing contract. After Malkin left for North America, his team unsuccessfully filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NHL, arguing he had an existing contract in Russia. The new Russian league is scheduled to start its season Sept. 2. Surprised there isn't more discussion about this part, particularly as it relates to one Pavel Datsyuk, he of a long-term contract that most would consider team-friendly. Hopefully the IIHF's position cuts the legs off of this in a hurry. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
