The KHL

[Iron Crotch]

The political situation in Russia and Ukraine will have a very definite impact on the operation of the KHL and the hockey labor force. The one Ukrainian team in the league (Donbass Donetsk) will not play this coming season. Ukrainian players may be reluctant to sign with Russian-based teams. And, if the rest of the world imposes heavy economic sanctions on Russia, which will almost surely be the case, that should also negatively impact the league.

 

In the short-term, I just don't see many top players lining up to jump to the KHL, especially non-Russian players. Thoughts?

 

Recent Toronto Star article: http://www.thestar.c...in_ukraine.html

[Derrico]

The political situation in Russia and Ukraine will have a very definite impact on the operation of the KHL and the hockey labor force. The one Ukrainian team in the league (Donbass Donetsk) will not play this coming season. Ukrainian players may be reluctant to sign with Russian-based teams. And, if the rest of the world imposes heavy economic sanctions on Russia, which will almost surely be the case, that should also negatively impact the league.

 

In the short-term, I just don't see many top players lining up to jump to the KHL, especially non-Russian players. Thoughts?

 

Recent Toronto Star article: http://www.thestar.c...in_ukraine.html

 

Ya I read this article yesterday and found it very interesting. The drawbacks of the khl already include shady owners and long flights. The political unrest right now will just add to the negativity in playing in that league.

[shrader]

Have many non-Russians been lining up to go there even before this? There aren't many other than the guys who can't land jobs here.

[Iron Crotch]

Have many non-Russians been lining up to go there even before this? There aren't many other than the guys who can't land jobs here.

 

The majority are Russians, but definitely some Europeans and Canadians (and Americans) over there. Almost 40% of current players are non-Russians. Sort of interesting: http://www.quanthock...reer-stats.html

 

Rebels blew up Donbass Donetsk's arena. Oof.

Edited July 27, 2014 by Potato

[LGR4GM]

The majority are Russians, but definitely some Europeans and Canadians (and Americans) over there. Almost 40% of current players are non-Russians. Sort of interesting: http://www.quanthock...reer-stats.html

 

Rebels blew up Donbass Donetsk's arena. Oof.

How many of that 40% couldn't hack it in the NHL. How many of the Canadians and Americans in particular would not make 28 out of 30 NHL rosters or would be paid significantly lower?