The Russian Problem
May 26th, 2008 by Jason ChenNo, it’s not communism. For those of you who don’t know yet, the Russian Super League was replaced by the Continental Hockey League (or, Kontinentalnaya Hokkeynaya Liga in Russian), absorbing teams from Latvia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. With already 24 teams in the fold, it is expected to expand to 30 teams in the near future to compete against the NHL for the world’s top talents. The prized trophy is called the Gagarin Cup, named after Yuri Gagarin, the first Russian cosmonaut who in 1961 became the first person to orbit Earth. There are rumours that the league is very much interested in challenging the annual Stanley Cup Champ to a 7-game series to generate international interest and to claim the “World’s Best” title. Teams from the Swedish Elite League have been handed invitations to join, but rumour is that none of those teams have formally accepted or rejected them yet.
As of now, the NHL is still the best league in the world, but in the future, we will have to compete with the CHL for the world’s top talents. European players may be less inclined to move to North America where they play a much more physical game (although at times a misconception - some RSL teams were hard as nails) and may possibly earn considerably less than they do if they stay in Europe. Gary Bettman must be getting a little worried right now, with the CHL threatening to lure players away.
With the new teams and an influx wealth, the CHL (not to be confused with the Canadian Major Junior league) will be able to offer players more money than they previously have. Tack on the fact that players playing in Russia get paid tax-free, it’s a very strong incentive for players who are looking to make a little bit more money. With the new league, it has already attracted the attention of players like Jaromir Jagr and Dmitri Kalinin. We’ve already seen John Grahame and Robert Esche head for “greener” pastures, and it remains to be seen if more players will be doing the same. This may possibly force the NHL’s hand and make GM’s pony up more money to keep their European talent in an already overpriced pro athlete market.
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5 Responses to “The Russian Problem”
By Steve on May 26, 2008
To be fair, it’s not like the Russian CHL teams are being created out of thin air. They’re basically just taking the old RSL and putting a new face on it and expanding by 6 clubs and into Eastern Europe. The majority of players in the RSL will remain there if they think it will keep them happy. I sincerely doubt many of the Swedes or Fins will be suiting up in the CHL anytime soon, and the Swiss, Germans and French are unlikely to be interested much either.
The league will mainly be comprised of players from former Soviet Bloc nations… i.e. Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia.
As much as North Americans think Europe is just one big block of countries that ignore the NHL, you’d be mistaken. Each of the Major Western European Hockey Playing nations is quite proud of their domestic league. the SEL, DEL, Finnish and Swiss Leagues are all quite robust as is… I doubt we’ll see a huge exodus of talent. Most players still dream of playing in the NHL, and while some might be lured by money, they know that a lot more Fame comes with a Stanley Cup, than it does with a Gragarin trophy.
By Troy on May 26, 2008
Let me think. The only “top” players I can think of in Russia are Alexei Morozov, who only emerged in Russia after the lockout, and Alexander Korolyuk, who was marginal at best in the NHL. I don’t see any worry about talent departing the NHL soon. I’d only fear players like Malkin or Ovechkin departing. Then I’d be nervous
By Jason C on May 27, 2008
I don’t doubt the SEL, DEL, FNL, and Swiss Leagues are robust. I never said they paled in comparison to the CHL (talent and popularity wise), but they are quite smaller in comparison. Russia is still the largest country in Europe, and as such they are still a major exporter of NHL talent.
But you’re right Steve, most of the players in the RSL will more likely stay there now with the CHL, but that also means the NHL will be able to lure less players from Russia. For example, Kirill Koltsov is Canucks property and has blossomed into a star of sorts in the RSL, but is even more unlikely to come overseas now to play against the very best because he can earn much, much more in the RSL than in the NHL.
Troy, that’s exactly what I’m worried about - major elite talents leaving the NHL to be “closer to home” or being able to earn more money overseas. Jagr was rumoured to be heading to the RSL/CHL, and Naslund has let it known that he’d like to finish his career in the SEL.
It’s not so much the talent leaving the NHL I’m worried about, after all, it’s only marginal NHLers that will leave for Europe, but it’s the NHL’s future difficulty in luring Europeans to the NHL.
By thewordbird on May 27, 2008
Great article.
As opposed to certain radio, ‘panels’ and news columns, this discussion has brought a little more inspection to the fledgling league. It is a threat and could actually co-exist, depending on the dis/interest from the DEL, Swedish Elite, etc.
Some of the fringe players could benefit and others may be afforded the opportunity to grow and develop in an essence that may not have been open to them with an NHL club.
The growth of the game of hockey is what should be held in the highest of regards. The Oilers, Jets, Whalers, etc. were all born of the first incarnation of the WHA, so we may all benefit. Competition will bring along many players and give those second shots to some over-looked players.
We should also be talking about the Victoria/Challenge Cup.
By Jason C on May 27, 2008
The growth of hockey should be held in the highest regard, I do agree Robin, and I applaud Charles Wang’s efforts in trying to establish a grassroots hockey program in China.
I believe the CHL and NHL can co-exist, because they’re on two separate continents. The WHA folded because it was competing against the NHL in its home rink, North America. When the CHL falters the NHL will certainly not absorb their teams.
The CHL does benefit fringe players, but that also takes away from the overall quality of the league itself. An example is Mark Giordano, who would be a good defenseman on any team, was forced to play in Russia because the Flames refused to fork over some money. He is likely to return this year, but in the future with the CHL the chances of those players returning may be less. Of course, winning the Stanley Cup is any North American boy’s dream, but I can’t say the same about an European.
The CHL will definitely serve as a league to hone their skills, especially for young guys like Nikita Filatov. Malkin toiled an extra year in Russia because of his contractual obligation to Metallurg, but another year spent in the RSL I think made leaps and bounds in his development.
The crux of that is, under the new CBA, any European coming into the NHL is subject to an entry-level, max $850k contract. From what I understand, the CHL doesn’t have such rules, and as such Filatov could be earning a lot more next year than if he comes to the NHL.