Madferret
7-19-05, 12:53 PM
Gandler: NHL to lose Players to Russia
TSN.ca Staff
NHL agent Mark Gandler says he expects a number of players to sign with teams in the Russian Elite League this season. Gandler, who represents a number of Russian-born clients, says a combination of the new collective bargaining agreement and improved financial picture of top Russian teams could have players thinking twice about playing in the NHL.
"There's no question this is the biggest threat from outside the NHL has ever had," Gandler tells the Palm Beach Post. "The economy has (improved) in Russia, and there is a lot more interest from well-to-do business people to support hockey," he said. "Combine that with the 24 percent cut in (NHL) salaries, and some players could wind up leaning toward Russia."
One of those players could be Alexander Ovechkin, who was taken first overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2004 Entry Draft. He helped Moscow Dynamo to the league championship this past season during the NHL lockout and has already signed a contract to play for Avangard Omsk for this coming season.
However, Ovechkin has an out clause to return to the NHL which expires on Wednesday. Gandler says he expects Ovechkin to choose to play in the NHL because it remains the top level of competition in the world, even though he will be limited to earning $850,000 under the new rookie salary cap. His deal with the Russian club could reportedly pay him upwards of $2-million.
Fine, you and the players you represent can stay in Russia Gandler, you piece of monkey spunk.
TSN.ca Staff
NHL agent Mark Gandler says he expects a number of players to sign with teams in the Russian Elite League this season. Gandler, who represents a number of Russian-born clients, says a combination of the new collective bargaining agreement and improved financial picture of top Russian teams could have players thinking twice about playing in the NHL.
"There's no question this is the biggest threat from outside the NHL has ever had," Gandler tells the Palm Beach Post. "The economy has (improved) in Russia, and there is a lot more interest from well-to-do business people to support hockey," he said. "Combine that with the 24 percent cut in (NHL) salaries, and some players could wind up leaning toward Russia."
One of those players could be Alexander Ovechkin, who was taken first overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2004 Entry Draft. He helped Moscow Dynamo to the league championship this past season during the NHL lockout and has already signed a contract to play for Avangard Omsk for this coming season.
However, Ovechkin has an out clause to return to the NHL which expires on Wednesday. Gandler says he expects Ovechkin to choose to play in the NHL because it remains the top level of competition in the world, even though he will be limited to earning $850,000 under the new rookie salary cap. His deal with the Russian club could reportedly pay him upwards of $2-million.
Fine, you and the players you represent can stay in Russia Gandler, you piece of monkey spunk.