Radulov bolts from Nashville, signs with Ufa

[Valas19 50]

He must be allergic to mustard. Or baby s*** colored jerseys.

He must be allergic to mustard. Or baby s*** colored jerseys.

I lol'd

[Zion 93]

Thanks, CT.

Awesome!!!!

[redwinger4747 6]

I'm not worried if players like Radulov and Jagr go to Russia. I would only worry if a player like Ovechkin, Malkin, or Kovalchuck left for Russia. Since that is not going to happen, I am not worried about this Russian league taking all the talent.

[Hank 0]

This is a money move, nothing more.

The guy came up through the QMJHL and then the AHL before playing in the NHL.

For him to return home it's nothing more than $$$.

It's too bad because this kid was a lot of fun to watch.

In the end though, I'm still not going to cry one bit over this. He'll got to Ufa, score 11 goals among his 30 points in 50 games.

And I'm sure while all the money will help buy him a bigger summer home in Siberia, he'll really enjoy the conditions of playing in arena's that resemble a run-down barn, or staying in hotels where there are more cockroaches than amenities.

[Reds4Life 51]

And I'm sure while all the money will help buy him a bigger summer home in Siberia, he'll really enjoy the conditions of playing in arena's that resemble a run-down barn, or staying in hotels where there are more cockroaches than amenities.

And you base this absolutely ridiculous opinion on what? American movies you have seen? I have been to Russia several times and all the crap above you wrote is BS.

Hockey players in Russia do not live in hotels where there are more cockroaches than amenities and Russian arenas do not esemble a run-down barns.

Sucks for Preds to loose one of their top6 forwards, but he got better offer from Ufa so who can blame him.

[blues_demitra38 11]

Jagr, Emery and now a player entering his prime leaving the NHL. I don't like this one bit...

[Hank 0]

And you base this absolutely ridiculous opinion on what? American movies you have seen? I have been to Russia several times and all the crap above you wrote is BS.

Hockey players in Russia do not live in hotels where there are more cockroaches than amenities and Russian arenas do not esemble a run-down barns.

Sucks for Preds to loose one of their top6 forwards, but he got better offer from Ufa so who can blame him.

Ask Jamie Heward.

And my uncle recently played in a hockey tour a couple of years ago and he said outside of places near Moscow things were pretty bad.

Face it, only a couple of Russian cities or teams can provide the kind of cushy lifestyle that every NHL team can afford.

For many of the 20 teams in this league, it's cockroach hotel.

Besides, if it was so awesome over there, then why does Yashin want to return? He'll certainly make more money in the KHL than the NHL but yet he's looking to come back.

You know things in Russia aren't nearly as good when they can offer twice what an NHL is and still not get them to come home.

Jagr, Emery and now a player entering his prime leaving the NHL. I don't like this one bit...

What has the NHL really lost so far?

A former superstar that only played hard once every 5 games. A goalie who's temper and ego eclipse his above-average talent and a young, up-and-coming 20 goal scorer.

Radulov is definitely the best NHL player to be lured but the league still has Datsyuk, Ovechkin and Malkin (among other Russian superstars).

The KHL won't even come close to competing with the NHL, even if it means a handful of Radulov's are scooped up.

Edited July 11, 2008 by Hank

[lfd250 1]

Eh, fine with me, let them all leave. Know who's the money behind the league? Don Cherry. That's right, first it will be the Russians, then the rest. Funny thing is, there are lots of guys that would love to play in the NHL. Might not be as pretty, but it will still be the NHL.

[Reds4Life 51]

Ask Jamie Heward.

And my uncle recently played in a hockey tour a couple of years ago and he said outside of places near Moscow things were pretty bad.

Face it, only a couple of Russian cities or teams can provide the kind of cushy lifestyle that every NHL team can afford.

For many of the 20 teams in this league, it's cockroach hotel.

KHL teams treat their players very well when it comes to accomodation, that's for sure. I don't know about some minor team around Moscow.

I have never ever heard any czech player who plays in the KHL complain about cockroach hotels. And there are many czech players.

[Hank 0]

Eh, fine with me, let them all leave. Know who's the money behind the league? Don Cherry. That's right, first it will be the Russians, then the rest. Funny thing is, there are lots of guys that would love to play in the NHL. Might not be as pretty, but it will still be the NHL.

Amen!

The more North American's the better. I love all the high end talent that Europe provides, but if the NHL could get rid of all the 3rd and 4th line Europeans, it would be a far more entertaining league.

[Reds4Life 51]

Amen!

The more North American's the better. I love all the high end talent that Europe provides, but if the NHL could get rid of all the 3rd and 4th line Europeans, it would be a far more entertaining league.

Radulov was top forward in Nashville. North American 3rd liners are not better than 3rd liners from Europe. Or maybe if you are one of the Don Cherry's worshipers..who knows

Edited July 11, 2008 by Reds4Life

[Hank 0]

KHL teams treat their players very well when it comes to accomodation, that's for sure. I don't know about some minor team around Moscow.

I have never ever heard any czech player who plays in the KHL complain about cockroach hotels. And there are many czech players.

I'm sure they treat their players well, but Jamie Heward and my uncle said that some of the arena's they played in were beyond reproach. He said some of them looked like they were built before WWI.

[Hank 0]

Radulov was top forward in Nashville. North American 3rd liners are not better than 3rd liners from Europe. Or maybe if you are one of the Don Cherry's worshipers..who knows

Yes they are and I'll give you the reasons why:

MOST of the time, a 3rd or 4th line North American player is tougher and will fight more often = entertainment.

Also, it's not unatural for a North American player to care more about the Cup and try harder in the playoffs compared to some Europeans that take time to realize what it takes in the playoffs.

Lastly, fans in America and Canada can associate themselves more with a local boy than a foreign one. This is a North American league afterall.

It would be no different if a Swedish team had nothing but Canucks or Yankees on it. The home crowd wants to see home grown talent.

There's a reason why a Canadian or American kid, who only gets 6-8 minutes a game can be just as popular as one of the team's top stars.

A good example is this; who would fans rather see eat up 6 minutes a night? A guy like Kopecky who can skate, has decent skills and hits sometimes or a guy like Darryl Bootland or McCarty who might not have as much skill but hits and fights way more. 90% of the time, the fans at the Joe will cheer for a player like that, over a 3rd or 4th line Euro like Kopecky.

And you can call me a Don Cherry worshipper anytime you want. I take it as a compliment. I'm not a sheep to his words, but I do agree with a lot that he says. I love players like AO and Datsyuk, but I don't see the need to have 4th line scrub jobs go to Europeans. Give me a Dallas Drake anyday over a 4th line Euro.

Edited July 11, 2008 by Hank

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

Yes they are and I'll give you the reasons why:

MOST of the time, a 3rd or 4th line North American player is tougher and will fight more often = entertainment.

Also, it's not unatural for a North American player to care more about the Cup and try harder in the playoffs compared to some Europeans that take time to realize what it takes in the playoffs.

Lastly, fans in America and Canada can associate themselves more with a local boy than a foreign one. This is a North American league afterall.

It would be no different if a Swedish team had nothing but Canucks or Yankees on it. The home crowd wants to see home grown talent.

There's a reason why a Canadian or American kid, who only gets 6-8 minutes a game can be just as popular as one of the team's top stars.

A good example is this; who would fans rather see eat up 6 minutes a night? A guy like Kopecky who can skate, has decent skills and hits sometimes or a guy like Darryl Bootland or McCarty who might not have as much skill but hits and fights way more. 90% of the time, the fans at the Joe will cheer for a player like that, over a 3rd or 4th line Euro like Kopecky.

And you can call me a Don Cherry worshipper anytime you want. I take it as a compliment. I'm not a sheep to his words, but I do agree with a lot that he says. I love players like AO and Datsyuk, but I don't see the need to have 4th line scrub jobs go to Europeans. Give me a Dallas Drake anyday over a 4th line Euro.

But...But.,.But... DON CHERRY IS RACIST!!!!!

[Reds4Life 51]

Yes they are and I'll give you the reasons why:

MOST of the time, a 3rd or 4th line North American player is tougher and will fight more often = entertainment.

Also, it's not unatural for a North American player to care more about the Cup and try harder in the playoffs compared to some Europeans that take time to realize what it takes in the playoffs.

Lastly, fans in America and Canada can associate themselves more with a local boy than a foreign one. This is a North American league afterall.

It would be no different if a Swedish team had nothing but Canucks or Yankees on it. The home crowd wants to see home grown talent.

There's a reason why a Canadian or American kid, who only gets 6-8 minutes a game can be just as popular as one of the team's top stars.

A good example is this; who would fans rather see eat up 6 minutes a night? A guy like Kopecky who can skate, has decent skills and hits sometimes or a guy like Darryl Bootland or McCarty who might not have as much skill but hits and fights way more. 90% of the time, the fans at the Joe will cheer for a player like that, over a 3rd or 4th line Euro like Kopecky.

And you can call me a Don Cherry worshipper anytime you want. I take it as a compliment. I'm not a sheep to his words, but I do agree with a lot that he says. I love players like AO and Datsyuk, but I don't see the need to have 4th line scrub jobs go to Europeans. Give me a Dallas Drake anyday over a 4th line Euro.

Yeah I see your point, but there are not many Europeans who play on 3rd or 4th line. I would rather have Zinovijev etc on my third line than McCarty. I'd also rather have Hudler than Drake. I don't like Kopecky so I totally agree with you Drake is much better player.

Note for the guy who posted the racist remark..you should really find out what it means before you use it.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Yes they are and I'll give you the reasons why:

MOST of the time, a 3rd or 4th line North American player is tougher and will fight more often = entertainment.

Also, it's not unatural for a North American player to care more about the Cup and try harder in the playoffs compared to some Europeans that take time to realize what it takes in the playoffs.

Lastly, fans in America and Canada can associate themselves more with a local boy than a foreign one. This is a North American league afterall.

It would be no different if a Swedish team had nothing but Canucks or Yankees on it. The home crowd wants to see home grown talent.

There's a reason why a Canadian or American kid, who only gets 6-8 minutes a game can be just as popular as one of the team's top stars.

A good example is this; who would fans rather see eat up 6 minutes a night? A guy like Kopecky who can skate, has decent skills and hits sometimes or a guy like Darryl Bootland or McCarty who might not have as much skill but hits and fights way more. 90% of the time, the fans at the Joe will cheer for a player like that, over a 3rd or 4th line Euro like Kopecky.

And you can call me a Don Cherry worshipper anytime you want. I take it as a compliment. I'm not a sheep to his words, but I do agree with a lot that he says. I love players like AO and Datsyuk, but I don't see the need to have 4th line scrub jobs go to Europeans. Give me a Dallas Drake anyday over a 4th line Euro.

Great post Hank! Agreed 100%, that is honestly what I would've written, had I. The Kopecky or Bootland point was a good one too. The Joe lives for those kind of players.

[Hank 0]

Yeah I see your point, but there are not many Europeans who play on 3rd or 4th line. I would rather have Zinovijev etc on my third line than McCarty. I'd also rather have Hudler than Drake. I don't like Kopecky so I totally agree with you Drake is much better player.

Note for the guy who posted the racist remark..you should really find out what it means before you use it.

You're actually helping me make my point.

You're from the Czech Republic so naturally you'd prefer to see Czech's over N.A.'s. I can totally understand that.

But seeing as the NHL is a gate driven league where 95% of the revenue is generated from North American's, you need to have more North American's in the league.

It would be no different if I was demanding more Canadians or American's on teams in the KHL or Czech Republic.

I wouldn't blame any fan in those countries if they got upset that there were too many N.A. players on their clubs.

In fact, Jamie Heward said that many of the Russian players resented the Canadian and American influence in the RSL. And so did the fans to a degree and it's hard to get angry at them for it.

If you're born in Canada or the US, you're always going to cheer harder for a guy named Smith over a player named Yachmenev. Just like i'm sure it's the opposite in Russia or abroad.

That was my point and it's why I want to see more jobs go to North Americans - when the skill level is equal or close to being on par.

Edited July 11, 2008 by Hank

[Opie 308]

But...But.,.But... DON CHERRY IS RACIST!!!!!

You're right he is!

[Reds4Life 51]

You're actually helping me make my point.

Your from the Czech Republic so naturally you'd prefer to see Czech's over N.A.'s.

But seeing as the NHL is a gate driven league where 95% of the revenue is generated from North American's, you need to have more North American's in the league.

It would be no different if I was demanding more Canadians or American's on teams in the KHL or Czech Republic.

I wouldn't blame any fan in those countries if they got upset that there were too many N.A. players on their clubs.

In fact, Jamie Heward said that many of the Russian players resented the Canadian and American influence in the RSL. And so did the fans to a degree and it's hard to get angry at them for it.

If you're born in Canada or the US, you're always going to cheer harder for a guy named Smith over a player named Yachmenev. Just like i'm sure it's the opposite in Russia or abroad.

That was my point and it's why I want to see more jobs go to North Americans - when the skill level is equal or close to being on par.

Great post, I 100% agree with this.

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

Yeah I see your point, but there are not many Europeans who play on 3rd or 4th line. I would rather have Zinovijev etc on my third line than McCarty. I'd also rather have Hudler than Drake. I don't like Kopecky so I totally agree with you Drake is much better player.

Note for the guy who posted the racist remark..you should really find out what it means before you use it.

Note to the guy who called me out. It was obvious sarcasm, I know it's hard to translate online but I mean cmon, I even used the smiley face.

[Hank 0]

Great post, I 100% agree with this.

Thanks! I wasn't trying to insult European players or their fans, just that I'd like to see more NA's in the NHL if possible.

P.S. I also wanted to add that I completely agree with the IIHF in that some of the European leagues are upset that they're losing their young talent to the AHL more than the NHL. It makes far more sense for everyone to have those kids stay at home to develop rather than have them play in the minors on a foreign continent.

The old system worked great for everyone. I hope it goes back to that.

[Opie 308]

Thanks! I wasn't trying to insult European players or their fans, just that I'd like to see more NA's in the NHL if possible.

P.S. I also wanted to add that I completely agree with the IIHF in that some of the European leagues are upset that they're losing their young talent to the AHL more than the NHL. It makes far more sense for everyone to have those kids stay at home to develop rather than have them play in the minors on a foreign continent.

The old system worked great for everyone. I hope it goes back to that.

I would agree with you 100% IF.....

The rinks were the same size!

[lfd250 1]

Ugh! Rink size? That's what you come back with. You all were very entertaining until then. Rink size. The puck is the same and the goal is the same. Who cares how wide and long the rink is. I don't care where the players come from. I don't care where they go. Take pride in the sweater you're wearing, play your hardest for your teammates and the fans, and I'm a happy camper. Pissed off because you think you need more money then haul ass. It's a game. There's always someone else ready to play for less money.

[STK 0]

That's awful for the Preds.

Could be the last straw on the way to Hamilton?

[RedFX 48]

Here's a couple of statements regarding the issue.

Looks like either a) these reports aren't true (entirely), or b) they are and the Preds plan to fight this. Either way, nothing really definitive in these statements.

Edited July 11, 2008 by RedFX