Potential imposition of a new ban affecting Russian players' NHL engagements
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Since the conflict in Ukraine began, considerable discussion has revolved around the eligibility of Russian players in the NHL. Despite ongoing conversations, the NHL has remained firm, asserting that it would never contemplate implementing a ban based on location. Nonetheless, it seems inevitable that Russian players will eventually face a ban, despite the league's steadfast position.
During the holiday season, reports emerged from Russia revealing an official announcement by President Vladimir Putin, outlining a mandate that hockey players must serve a specified minimum number of seasons in the league.
Of note to NHL prospects with KHL clubs, Shumi Babaev mentions via MatchTV :
"We have an order from the President, according to which young players should stay here - in Russia."
They have been working on rules to not allow players to go abroad before a set amount of time.
"We have an order from the President, according to which young players should stay here - in Russia."
They have been working on rules to not allow players to go abroad before a set amount of time.
This recent directive is expected to pose challenges for teams in forthcoming times. It suggests that the Philadelphia Flyers might have to wait for an additional three seasons before their promising prospect, Matvei Michkov, becomes eligible to join the NHL. Furthermore, this regulation is likely to lead to instances where teams abstain from selecting players because of this enforced 4-5 year timeframe.
| POLL | ||
26 DECEMBRE | 163 ANSWERS Potential imposition of a new ban affecting Russian players' NHL engagements Is it appropriate for the NHL to honor the ruling? | ||
| Yes | 66 | 40.5 % |
| No way | 51 | 31.3 % |
| I don't care | 46 | 28.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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