These Are The Days
Oh no! We suck again!!
He wasn't coming over before terminating his contract anyway. That's the first time we see a North American journalist having an [apparent] inside source about Gusev tho. Prior that it was all fan made speculation. Joe Smith is reliable, there might have been some talks between Gusev and Tampa lately, that alone is positive.
Still, I saw there are conflicting reports from a KHL insider who claimed a few hours back that Gusev was on the verge of re-signing for the next 2 years with St.Petersburgh. So take the whole story with a grain of salt, but making that kind of announcement has been a typical SKA strategy to put pressure on the players that want out. Wait and ******* see.
Either way good on Gusev for how he's handled all this. It's hard to tell what sources and statements are valid but I cannot possibly fault him for his choices. Even if he never came to the Lightning, I'd be hard pressed to argue against winning more championships and making a name for himself in the KHL. I'd love to see him here but it's best to follow his heart.
And good point about SKA strategy... should Kovalchuk opt out then SKA faces tremendous pressure to retain Gusev