How come nobody else seems to realize this. It's what caused him to bail before. He isn't coming to the NHL to be used as a depth D-man. 5-6 may not even satisfy him. This guy may be more potential trouble than he's worth until one of Tanev or Edler is gone.
Seriously, guys? Multiple reasons he bailed.
1 - they wanted to mold him. He didn't like it.
2 - the money didn't matter, he could make as much in the KHL. (you realize that the KHL pays as well as an ELC, without the threat of a massive paycut in the AHL).
3- they stupidly talked about sending him to the AHL, where he takes a massive pay cut to be much less happy.
4 - he thought he played ok, but was unhappy with his ice time.
5 - his GF wasn't happy.
6 - he was a 19 - 20 yr old kid who didn't speak the language, his GF was unhappy and he didn't fit in.
Kiddies on here are hurt that he bailed on the Canucks, but I think he made the right decision. He has been off getting reasonable ice time and play. In a decent league. Better than the AHL. Whiners on here were hurt that he wouldn't go to the AHL, but cried foul when he jumped to the KHL. He has no obligation or dedication to the Canucks. The Canucks should try to make him happy here. He is going to be worth it.
And why will he come back?
1 - hes 2 years older. More mature. And a RFA .... which means ....
2 - he s about to get a payday. (I assume u understand my earlier point, ELC contracts really can't compare to a KHL contract. Every smart Russian will stay in russia. Make more money, and live in a more comfortable lifestyle for them.)
3 - that payday will be much more than he could get in the KHL. 3 - 4 times as much.
Why he won't come back? Well, many Russian factors. Language. They try to tell him he needs more development and cut his salary short. Offer a 2 way contract. His GF is unhappy.
Reality is I see a 4 yr $4.5 - 4.75M contract. And I think he is going to be a long term decent D man for the Canucks, if they play it right. How many games has he missed due to injury? Yes. Can he stand the grind of the playoffs (Why I said Guddy was a good fit for Pitt). Yes.