His defense has gotten a lot better. Lets not label him bad defensively just because he's Russian. It might've been true about a year ago, but now I think he's at least average defensively, maybe even better than that.
I wonder if it is possible that Severstal release him to the Rangers after NHL All-Star break for compensation $300K (?) and not paying his salary. It likely be clear by then that they will have no chance at the play-off.
I wonder if it is possible that Severstal release him to the Rangers after NHL All-Star break for compensation $300K (?) and not paying his salary. It likely be clear by then that they will have no chance at the play-off.
Highly doubt it. I'm hoping they trade him to a contender though by the trade deadline.
Billionaires own KHL teams. They spend $300k on gas for their yacht when they take their family on vacation, it's nothing more than pocket change to them. Plus, Putin views development of Russian sports as one of the keys to promoting patriotism inside and influence outside, so they could've sell a player even if they wanted to.