Irrelevant.
You don't let a kid that skilled slip through your fingers. Period.
Irrelevant? Really? So if he can make 10 times there what he does here (accounting for taxes and whatnot), GMGM's supposed to do what, kidnap his family and force him to sign?
If you're talking about wooing him, maybe blame the Caps "Russian factor" insurance in Ovi while you're at it. Until you know the details calling for anyone's head is moronic.
(and for the record, if Kuz is staying over there for peanuts and it turns out GMGM was trying to skimp on bonuses or whatnot, then fine, burn the witch)
Seems likely based on reports it was just a short hello and not much more, which is probably not how to go about bonding with a high-end prospect. But...whatever. If he doesn't have the drive to be the best then he's not what this team needs anyway. Despite the accolades I'm not one that believes he'll step into the NHL and be a high-end player. Not unless he cleans up his game in a couple of areas.
Being the best doesn't necessarily include NHL. You should learn to accept that too.
Next year doesn't mean forever. And I still haven't seen anyone step up and translate the article. Not going to freak out until he actually signs a contract.
What's killing Washington is these rookie contracts in the NHL. It is hard to force a hockey superstar from Russia now to play for $900 K for 3 seasons. The CBA needs to be revised.
For the time being it does, although there's something to be said for wanting to take a leading role in the growth of your home team/league.
It's not. It's just tha NA view and it's wrong. I guess you guys in Na will never accept the fact that there is a hockey school in Europe that teaches things you can't learn in the "best league in the world". A lot of european talent got wasted in NA minor leagues. I don't see it as a problem development wise for Kuznetsov if he stays.
It's not. It's just tha NA view and it's wrong. I guess you guys in Na will never accept the fact that there is a hockey school in Europe that teaches things you can't learn in the "best league in the world". A lot of european talent got wasted in NA minor leagues. I don't see it as a problem development wise for Kuznetsov if he stays.
Oh, I agree with that, but in Kuznetsov's case he wasn't going to toil in the minor leagues. And NHL competition is better, especially if you're talking about North American style.
I don't know where he is in terms of physical development so I won't try to figure when is the optimal time for him to come over. But he should have been able to make the Caps next season, and in that case the NHL is better competition for him than the KHL as an NHL prospect.
Good money, top line minutes and guaranteed spot in Russia roster for Sochi 2014 without having to wait for NHL's decision... Why not? Smart move there.
What's killing Washington is these rookie contracts in the NHL. It is hard to force a hockey superstar from Russia now to play for $900 K for 3 seasons. The CBA needs to be revised.
The CBA is good as it is. It's wrong to throw money in bunches at some 19yr olds. It doesn't help anything. And I don't really think money is the main issue in this case.
The CBA is good as it is. It's wrong to through money in bunches at some 19yr olds. It doesn't help anything. And I don't really think money is the main issue in this case.
Obviously he is not just some 19 yr old. He is a bonafide hockey superstar, arguably better player than slumping Ovechkin. How fair is it that amazing Kuznetsov will be paid 900K where a inferior player makes 10 times more? NHL CBA should allow some sort of exceptions.
Oh, I agree with that, but in Kuznetsov's case he wasn't going to toil in the minor leagues. And NHL competition is better, especially if you're talking about North American style.
I don't know where he is in terms of physical development so I won't try to figure when is the optimal time for him to come over. But he should have been able to make the Caps next season, and in that case the NHL is better competition for him than the KHL as an NHL prospect.
It's not about competition alone. the only way for russian players to learn both styles is to stay in Russia until they are say 23-24 an then go to NA and learn NA hockey.
It's not. It's just tha NA view and it's wrong. I guess you guys in Na will never accept the fact that there is a hockey school in Europe that teaches things you can't learn in the "best league in the world".
That's all fine and well from a skill standpoint but the weaknesses in his game as it projects to the NA game will not be forced to be cleaned up in the KHL. They just won't. He'll be able to thrive and be a superstar in the KHL without being a complete player. From that perspective, it isn't the better developmental option compared to the NHL in a second line role.
Bonuses are allowed on ELC deals so he could earn ~$3.75M but it would definitely have to be earned.
It's not about competition alone. the only way for russian players to learn both styles is to stay in Russia until they are say 23-24 an then go to NA and learn NA hockey.
I don't know how much they need to learn both styles, though, if they're physically mature enough to handle NA hockey. Waiting that long puts them behind the 8-ball in the NHL, so if the NHL career is what they're after (and it's totally valid for it not to be, don't get me wrong) coming over as soon as they can play here should give them a leg up.
Obviously he is not just some 19 yr old. He is a bonafide hockey superstar, arguably better player than slumping Ovechkin. How fair is it that amazing Kuznetsov will be paid 900K where a inferior player makes 10 times more? NHL CBA should allow some sort of exceptions.
He is that at junior level, yes. He has a lot to prove still. You're quite overhyped about his talent I think.
I feel for you guys, it took five years for Emelin to come over. Hopefully it won't be that long for Kuznetsov, he's such a big talent, it would be such a shame if he stayed in the KHL his entire career simply for the money. It's not like making 900k was nothing..
Being the best doesn't necessarily include NHL. You should learn to accept that too.
All the best players play in the NHL, that's a fact. Radulov is MAYBE in the top 50, but after that the next best guy is maybe the 150-200th best in the world.
It sucks for us, but I can't blame the kid.. The money, the family, the prestige, fame, etc.. It was a risk after all, and it's why he was passed over for us to even get the chance at drafting him.. Hopefully Ovi, Sasha and Orlov can get in his ear and talk him into coming over next year, but if not, I'll not hold it against him or GMGM.. It was a gamble worth taking, and wouldnt be such a dire situation had GMGM addressed our center issues 2 years ago.. (That, I will blame GM for) and then Nicky goes down and there ya have it..
