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KHL news

CarltonTheBear

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A couple of developments in the KHL that might interest some. First, Sergei Fedorov has announced his retirement from professional hockey and will become the GM of CSKA Moscow. That's the team he played for in Russia before defecting to the NHL. I was surprised to hear that Fedorov was still playing professionally, he actually played the past 3 seasons in Russia. Always thought he was one of the most underrated players in his prime, it's a shame he ended his NHL career on a bit of a low-note. Some are speculating that moves like this might entice younger Russian players to stay in the KHL and play for their idols.

If that doesn't work, the fact that the KHL has apparently lifted their salary cap for Russian NHLers might do the trick. I'll let Slava Malamud's twitter account explain:

And here goes KHL, doing its thing again. The league announces that all returning Russian NHLers will not count against the salary cap.

Now, each KHL team will be limited to one such signing. Still, this should enable the rich clubs to back up the cash truck to Radulov, Semin

Sources in Russia say that CSKA is very likely to make a big play for Grigorenko. If true, this should plunge his draft stock.

1 more caveat on the KHL news. The player would have to be approved by national team coaches as "worthy" to be excluded from salary cap.

This is pretty clearly directed at Semin and Radulov this offseason. But considering both of their experiences in the NHL, it might not really be necessary. Semin's pretty much a lock to go to the KHL I think.

edit: Added a tweet about Grigorenko. Doesn't really relate to the salary cap issue as he isn't a past NHLer, but it'll be interesting to see if Fedorov's influence could change his mind. I doubt it though.
 
The KHL Gagarin Cup final starts tomorrow - Metalurg Magnitogorsk vs. Lev Prague. Lev Prague is an undersdog but it would be hilarious if Gagarin Cup went outside of Russia.

Putin would go crazy, if a team without a single Russian with a bunch of relatively no name Czechs, Slovaks, Swedes, Finns and Canadians would beat one of the best Russian teams.

Lev has decided to play its home games (game Nr. 3,4, and eventually game 6) in a different, much bigger arena for 18500 people. The tickets were gone in 4 hours. They are going to get all the support needed. I do hope they can pull it off. Great Cinderella story, everyone cheers for the underdog and the whole city is behind the team despite they have not cared much about the KHL during the whole year. To piss off Russians, however, works always good for Czechs.

Btw., former Leafs Ryan O?Byrne and former Marlie Juraj Mikus play for Lev Prague.
 
drummond said:
The KHL Gagarin Cup final starts tomorrow - Metalurg Magnitogorsk vs. Lev Prague. Lev Prague is an undersdog but it would be hilarious if Gagarin Cup went outside of Russia.

Putin would go crazy, if a team without a single Russian with a bunch of relatively no name Czechs, Slovaks, Swedes, Finns and Canadians would beat one of the best Russian teams.

Lev has decided to play its home games (game Nr. 3,4, and eventually game 6) in a different, much bigger arena for 18500 people. The tickets were gone in 4 hours. They are going to get all the support needed. I do hope they can pull it off. Great Cinderella story, everyone cheers for the underdog and the whole city is behind the team despite they have not cared much about the KHL during the whole year. To piss off Russians, however, works always good for Czechs.

Btw., former Leafs Ryan O?Byrne and former Marlie Juraj Mikus play for Lev Prague.

And Magnitogorsk has former Leaf Tim Brent.
 
The KHL experience...as told by current KHLer Tim Stapleton...

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/how-russian-economic-uncertainty-impacts-khlers

 
Viacheslav Fetisov, former NHL defenceman and Stanley Cup winner (Detroit Red Wings), would like to ban all Russian young players from entering the NHL until they reach the age of 28.

Fetisov's own NHL journey broke ground for many Russian players who later came to play in the league.  He is a pioneer amongst players of Russian descent.

He is founder as well as chairman of the KHL's board of directors.

The reason for Fetisov's insistence:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/report-fetisov-wants-to-stall-khlers-from-joining-nhl/
 
China calling...

The KHL is expanding and will include a team from Beijing for next season.  The Chinese government along with Chinese and Russian businesses are also supporting this venture.  Due to the 2022 Winter Olympics, which will be hosted by Beijing, China wants to familiarize itself win hockey since they being the host country,  will have automatic entry into the men's Olympic Ice Hockey portion of the Games.


http://www.cbc.ca/m/sports/hockey/khl-china-expansion-1.3364197
 
Well, guess what?  China has a hockey team in the KHL -- HC Hunlun Red Star.

Ok.  Good.  But at the opening game ceremony, uh,  someone teach them how to drop the ceremonial puck...

[youtube]1LsEYZ4eDhM[/youtube]

 

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