Vlad The Impaler said:
300k is not pocket money in today's NHL. You simply do not know what you are talking about.
300k is enough to create contract tensions between top notch *proven* NHL players and their team. But somehow you'd want us to believe it's pocket change when talking about a questionable selection...
Compare this amount to what other teams have paid in similar situations like previously mentioned in this thread. They are pretty similar, or maybe the habs overpaid a bit (but we're not talking much here). Also, remember that the NHL-Russian prospect aggreement has expired, and that the russians are looking to get a better deal this time.
Frankly, if that 300k could become some kind of ballpark figure for any future deal involving these leagues, then I would find that fair. It is supposed to cover the player's development, and it's not terribly high considering the rookie salaries.
Kostitsyn health concern have been exagerated. He didn't enjoy a very good season in russia last year, and being a Belorusian, he would have had some difficulties finding a spot in his Superleague team. That alone is good enough reason to bring him here. Plus, he needs to learn NA defensive hockey, and the AHL is a good place to do it.