I've been thinking though...
Just to play Devils advocate, flame me for this scenario.
1)Abramovich wants the Russian leagues to be on par with the NHL. He realizes that AO will give the league legitimacy, as he will probably be one of the best in the world.
2)He offers AO, lets say 30 million / year. This may sound outlandish, but he's spent about 500 million USD on buying Chelsea, and about 200 million on players last year, so it is not out of this world .
3)I don't see Leonis spending more than 10 million per year, especially if there is any kind of cap.
4)AO would have to choose between FAR less money in the NHL, and playing in the NHL, or making a tonne of money, and staying in his home country.
It would not be an automatic decision for me. If the situation were reversed, and someone was offering me a lot more money to stay in Canada, I'd probably take it. Having said all this, I still don't buy it...