Thursday, November 15, 2007

The Declining Russian Presence In The NHL

There are less Russians in the NHL than there used to be. This decline has begun with the lockout and the new CBA. It is alarming because there are some NHL talents who in years past would have played in the NHL but are not playing there anymore. The loss of players from the NHL talent base reduces the overall talent level of the NHL.

There are less Russians in the NHL today because the NHL has made it less economic for players to come from Russia to play in North America. The Russian League has more money than ever before and is able to play their elite players a few million dollars a year tax free. Meanwhile, the NHL has reduced the amount of money available to entry level Russians. In part, they have done this with a salary cap, which forces teams to decide where they want to spend their money. Those left without the bigger money contracts they feel they deserve return to Russia to play. This has sent players such as Alexei Yashin, Aleksey Morozov. Danny Markov and Oleg Kvasha back to Russia. More alarming is the way the NHL has reduced the amount of money young unproven players can get in North America. The re-entry waiver system keeps players in the AHL making $100,000 a year or less. Any minor league player making more than that amount must clear waivers to get called up to the NHL. Any team claiming a player on re-entry waivers is only assessed half his contract (thus making him a bargain) while the other half is charged to his previous team as a penalty. This makes it so that any Russian player in the North American minors is earning less money than he would in Russia by a significant margin. It has sent many of them home instead of learning the North American game in the AHL. This costs the NHL several players who have the potential to be talented NHL players.

This situation is made worse by the lack of a player transfer deal with Russia. Most major European hockey nations have an agreement whereby the NHL pays some money to bring players from these nations to the NHL. This money helps to pay for development of future players and the cost of development of the new NHL player (at least in principle). The European nations tend to believe that they are not getting enough money in transfer costs from the NHL, but they have little leverage to negotiate a raise. The negotiation of these amount has been done in a "take it or leave it" style by the NHL. Russia is, so far, the only nation to reject this agreement. This means that Russian contracts do not have to be honored in North America and North American contracts do not have to be honored in Russia. A Russian player who signs in North America can decide that he is unhappy there and leave in mid-contract to sign in Russia. In principle, things could happen in the other direction also, where a Russian player leaves Russia in mid-contract to sign in the NHL, but with the waiver system in the NHL it is far less common. A player cannot pack up in mid-season from the Russian league without having to clear waivers to play in the NHL. If the player is at all valuable, he won't clear waivers so this is a non-starter idea for NHL teams to obtain talent.

Sure enough some players do leave Russia for the NHL each summer. Russia gets no compensation for their losses (for example Evgeni Malkin). However, they gain when their talent base expands by adding disgruntled NHL players who leave in mid-season to return home to Russia. Without a transfer deal, Russia gets more players in their league than they would have with one, but it costs them some money. They usually lose the best of their young talents, but they get to keep far more than they would have with a transfer agreement.

It is only mid-November, but already five players have left North America to play in Russia. Gone are Roman Voloshenko from the Minnesota Wild, Igor Grigorenko from the Detroit Red Wings, Darius Kaparaitis of the New York Rangers, Konstantin Pushkarov of the Dallas Stars and Maxim Kondratiev of the Anaheim Ducks. Each of these players could have been useful to an NHL team this year. Many are young enough that they could have significant futures in the NHL, but more likely than not, none of them will. This loss of talent is Russia's gain, but it is also the NHL's loss. The NHL had been the league where all the best players in the world came to play. It no longer is. Some of the best players in the world are in Russia and lost from its talent base. This weakens the NHL.

To illustrate the drop in Russian talent, here is the number of Russian players who played in the NHL in the last few years:

Number of Russian NHL Players By Season
Season Number of Players
2001/0258
2002/03 57
2003/04 57
2005/06 40
2006/07 35
2007/08 27


While it should be noted that this season isn't over yet, so it is possible that more Russian players will wind up playing this season, the trend is clear. Before the lockout, the NHL had a stable 57 or 58 Russian players playing a year. That number has dropped steadily since then. So far this season only 27 Russian players have appeared in one or more NHL games. That is a drop-off of at least a team worth of players. Sure somebody (usually a North American) is found to fill these spots, but he is not as good as the Russian player who would otherwise be in the league. This lowers the overall talent level in the NHL. This makes the league weaker than it could be. This is not a good thing for the NHL. The NHL has set up a situation where economics keep about half of the NHL worthy Russians out of the league. There is a situation where a Russia player who comes to North America must make the NHL immediately or he will likely return to Russia where he can make more money. This prevents players from getting the seasoning they may need in the AHL. This reduces the overall talent level the league has. As an NHL fan, I am unhappy with this.

NOTE: The Russian Elite League does not attract only Russians to play there. Recently, Tony Salmelainen of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who is Finnish, abandoned the Maple Leaf organization (he was in the AHL) to play in Russia.

Comments:
Hey, Ron Maclean just referenced this post on HNIC...or a post just like it.
 
I was just about to say the same thing. He also said something about regretting not being able to give credit to the source...
 
Sure somebody (usually a North American) is found to fill these spots, but he is not as good as the Russian player who would otherwise be in the league.
Evidence for such a claim?
 
Art

The fact that under normal circumstances the job would have gone to a Russian player is evidence. The guy getting it now is at best the second choice.
 
Whay are you talking about - "not as good as the Russian player"? Good riddance to these over-hyped overpaid slackers. The players that have gone back are marginal NHL players at best. The league has been full of these guys that supposedly have all kinds of talent and promise but never seeme to deliver. For every Ovechkin, there are 6 Russian bums that thought they could come here, make the odd great rush, float around, and collect a big paycheck. It started with Krutov and has continued every year. And then they all use Mark Gandler for an agent to demand a ridiculous salary and actually threaten to go to Russia if they don't get their demands met. The GM's are finally smartening up and telling these guys - "don't let the door hit you on your lazy ass on the way out". Look how few were drafted this year. The Russians have been here for 20 years. Where are the stats to back up the hype? Scoring champs - zero, MVP's - zero, Conn Smythe - Zero. Team Leaders - Zero. Grit & Character players (i.e. playoff leaders) - less than zero. The jig is up. Stop the rhetoric about this supposed loss. You're a disgrace to say that a North American player is a second choice. Check the stats buddy.
 
Thank you very much for letting me comment, tell it is a pleasure for me to have the opportunity to read this article. Today I read a lot and I assure you that all day had not read anything as interesting as this, I found it very effective information. THANKS
 
Hey there! I could have sworn I've been to this site before but after reading through some of the post I realized it's new to me.
Anyways, I'm definitely happy I found it and I'll be book-marking and checking back frequently!



Also visit my web site: visit home page
 
Good day! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds
me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this.
I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain
he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!


Feel free to surf to my web page: airplane game
 
[p]Clarke, who replaced Mark [url=http://www.fashionhermesbagsuk.co.uk]discount hermes bags kelly[/url] Anson in the post . getting a considerable element in leather-based productions, birkin replica are well-known using the exceptional and stylish taste . One of this [url=http://www.springhermeshandbags.co.uk]Hermes handbags UK [/url] company from Hermes is with Birkin handbag another quality product hand woven . Lv Handbags Outlet There we had been really glad for you to spray this incredible Randy Fenoli with Say Yes to clothing fame for own [url=http://www.fashionhermesbagsuk.co.uk]hermes bags kelly[/url] future screen print variant . Beckham, that may not completely do without having the ornament involving wine red regular sewing bag, plus the tote also continue the style of middle skirt [url=http://www.springhermeshandbags.co.uk]hermes handbags kelly[/url] of tall stomach . All of us who has ever previously reached a telephone call in a odd selection realizes just how shocking it can be when you are getting a good [url=http://www.fashionhermesbagsuk.co.uk]hermes bags birkin on sale[/url] hang up call up . Its golden lock isn't able to only protect itself, but catches me . Hermes is a prominent brand in clothing and luxurious accessories.[/p][p]These kind of Hermes bags tend to be outfitted using glowing man highlights and also signature hardware from Hermes Purses Wall socket shop . zaklyuchenie, Hermes bag, in all its glory, and continues to fascinate and even dreams will warm up and a strong desire . But do not [url=http://www.springhermeshandbags.co.uk]cheap hermes handbags birkin[/url] despair . However, [url=http://www.fashionhermesbagsuk.co.uk]hermes bags[/url] now the replica So Black Bags have been available in the market and actually have become one of the hottest items . It is also made of different materials . They have big types if you actually should pack many different concerns for an overnighter, or tiny dainty types just big adequate to hold your necessities . Merely seize the opportunity end up being the focus regarding picture ahead of time!

To manage anyone favorable totes nicely, the first step would be to adjust clinical cleaning methods.[/p]

[url=http://chandoo.org/wp/2010/08/31/dynamic-chart-with-check-boxes/?replytocom=129484]They sale cheap jewellery online 6p[/url]
[url=http://www.cheapvegasshowtickets.net/pages/paris%2Blas%2Bvegas%2Bdiscount%2Bcoupons.html]They sale cheap jewellery online 5r[/url]
[url=http://kinootziv.com/otzyv-o-filme-xloya-chloe/comment-page-1/#comment-315652]we sale discount handbags online 9f[/url]
[url=http://incpo.org/bsp/posting.php?mode=quote&f=10&p=149726]They sale discount handbags online 2o[/url]
[url=http://es.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Discusi%C3%B3n:S%C3%ADmbolos_anarquistas&action=edit]we sale cheap jewellery online 6n[/url]

 
It is not my first time to pay a visit this site, i am browsing this web site dailly and take good information from here daily.


Review my site exercises to jump higher
 
I don't know why did that kind of team. Check out Spain in soccer. They are open to a lot of player outside and Spain is one of the best team in the world.
 
Hello! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I'd figured I'd ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article
or vice-versa? My site discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I
feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you're interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

Also visit my website - exercises to improve vertical jump
 
Awesome post.

My homepage Exercises To Improve Vertical Jump
 
It was wondering if I could use this write-up on my other website, I will link it back to your website though.Great Thanks.
Auto Sales Dudu |

Auto Kolavatmar |

Auto Tk |

Auto Verkade |

Bell vill Auto |

Complete Automotive |

Lower My Auto Rates |

Free Semi Auto Pistol |

Push Automotive |

Okanagan Automotive |


 
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include.
Prem Food 24 |

Reman On Food |

Food Man |

Food and Jazz |

Kama Foods |

Vegitable Food Truck |

Chew Food Tour |

Black and Blanco Food |

Food Congress 2013 |

Home base Club |


 
I really think that one of the best articles is this one. It has everything. I needed this information to prove wrong my teacher. I knew this was happening. But my teacher did not agree with me. Now, he'll know I was right! Thank you!
http://www.realestateorcas.org |

http://www.realestatemichigan.org |

http://www.barnettrealestate.org |

http://www.valenciarealestate.org |

http://www.nearusrealestate.org |

http://www.cuvierparkweddings.org |

http://www.sedonaweddingcakes.org |

http://www.wingwalkwedding.org |

http://www.simplyuweddings.org |

http://www.weddingconnection.org |


 
I hope you can finish up soon. I admire your enthusiasm though.
canarias-auto.com |

used-toyota-cars.com |

autolawnow.com |

noma-auto.com |

autotransportandmore.com |

speedanycar.com |

anycarzone.com |

redbellfood.com |

foodsteplearning.com |

notchfood.com |


 
Thanks! i just discovered this game and have been playing for a while now! very entretaining! GREAT job!
freesemiautopistol |

pushautogram |

okanaganautomation |

nhbensautobody |

finanauto |

autoenergy-gr |

ppautocenter |

ntmedicarelocal |

caregivingreviews |

bestcaregivingsolution |


 
Thanks! i just discovered this game and have been playing for a while now! very entretaining! GREAT job!
truehealthpublishing |

aecweddings |

wasillaweddings |

customimageweddings |

weddingcakescork |

theweddingchair |

weddingpicturesct |

coloradoweddingday |

nywedding4u |

dsweddingvideos |

 
Thanks! i just discovered this game and have been playing for a while now! very entretaining! GREAT job!
truehealthpublishing |

aecweddings |

wasillaweddings |

customimageweddings |

weddingcakescork |

theweddingchair |

weddingpicturesct |

coloradoweddingday |

nywedding4u |

dsweddingvideos |

 
This will also avoid wordpress.com using outside assistance from know more other applications to attributes MUSICALLY LOGIN ON PC, ANDROID, IOS, IPHONE FREE too history yet majorly concentrates Musically Online on the video clip sharing musicallylogin and also Live program attribute.


 
If you are an amusement all4webs.com/ lover then all you need is this fantastic official guide application called Kodi. How to Install Kodi in iOS 10 Without Jailbreaking Kodi is an honour endearing and Kodi also complimentary open source Kodi App Download application.


 
Signer yet among them could take Kodi Download App a little while, so sort this to start with carry Get More on reviewing to learn how to setup Kodi on your iPhone or iPad using Xcode Kodi a totally free application.


 
Will you be thinking in relation to remodeling ones home? Remember you might achieve ones goal with not a giant purchase. Small upgrades introduced in every room, including the outer entrance can make each of the difference. www.loxuryhome.usc
 
Thanks for sharing this page.
 
Post a Comment

<< Home

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?