Kuznetsov and Tarasenko - NHL Likelyhood Update

[Richard Parker]

Kuz has publicly stated that he will not come over and play AHL its NHL or bust for him...

What is it with these guys? NHL or Russia are the only options? I hope that's truly not the case. Maybe he's bluffing lol.

And, ya, next year's calder race should be one of the best in recent memory. Should be tight until the very end. Very exciting!

[Nights]

you think he makes the Sens next year? Being from Ottawa and following that team as closely as you do, you'd know better than me if he can make that team. Personally, I would have thought he'd spend some time in the AHL once he comes over here.

From my understanding (and Sens spe******t Big_Ev is free to correct the Ottawa born Leafs fan here), the Sens wanted him to play in the NHL and he was ready, but Silverberg decided he would play another year in Sweden first.

So I think it's safe to say that while (as perhaps proven by Rundblad) he might play some time in the AHL as a quick adjustment, seems like he along with the team both believe he's ready.

[wendelclark17]

What is it with these guys? NHL or Russia are the only options? I hope that's truly not the case. Maybe he's bluffing lol.

And, ya, next year's calder race should be one of the best in recent memory. Should be tight until the very end. Very exciting!

Gotta say that if I was Russian and liked my country then I would definitely ratehr play at home in the KHL and make millions than play in the AHL in a foreign country with no friends and make peanuts. Cant really blame them for at least trying the NHL or not coming over route.

[KoHolga]

Gotta say that if I was Russian and liked my country then I would definitely ratehr play at home in the KHL and make millions than play in the AHL in a foreign country with no friends and make peanuts. Cant really blame them for at least trying the NHL or not coming over route.

I totally agree... I wouldnt want to take a like a million dollar pay cut to not play in the show... These guys wanna play in the most competitive leagues and currently that is the NHl followed by the KHL

This is my list for just calder race next year is:
Huberdeau
Kuznetsov (if semin is not there)
Yakupov
Granlund
Grigorenko (if he goes to Ducks or Islanders)
Tarasenko
Strome

[Richard Parker]

Gotta say that if I was Russian and liked my country then I would definitely ratehr play at home in the KHL and make millions than play in the AHL in a foreign country with no friends and make peanuts. Cant really blame them for at least trying the NHL or not coming over route.

Yea, I understand your argument to a certain degree, but, if I were an NHL prospect (especially a high-end one like Kuz) I would want to play in North America because one, it is a different style game then the KHL or other European leagues, which may make the transition to NHL a little easier, and two (most importantly) I would do what my organization wanted me to do. By that I mean, don't you think WSH would rather Kuz play on their AHL affiliate team so they can monitor him more closely than they could if he was in Russia?

I don't think money should be an issue, as in, "I'll make 3 mill a year in the K as opposed to $90K in the A", for guys like Kuz who are bound to make millions in the NHL very, very soon. Especially when the organization is a little uneasy with the decision.

I completely understand the "closer to home" argument as it totally makes sense. Can't blame them for that.

[thatbirdguy]

When asked who the best young Russian player is today, Tarasenko responds:

— Someone asked Evgeny Kuznetsov (Washington Capitals) who is the best young player in Russia, and he said that everyone would say his own name.

— It’s like that. I’ve heard that before the draft during the tests that everyone says his own name!

—But you didn’t?

— I replied Evgeny Kuznetsov (Washington Capitals). The ones who were interviewing me were shocked. But I can say it once again: Evgeny Kuznetsov (Washington Capitals) is the best young player in Russia. I am a Russian, how can I name myself the best?

— What does he have which you don’t?

— Kuznetsov has got everything. I don’t know any weak point on his game. And I wish him a great family life, he recently married.

Also interesting to note - Tarasenko will be traded to Dyanamow Moscow at the KHL trade deadline, but he goes on to say:

— I don’t know. Maybe they didn’t tell me. But I can say this: in Russia I won’t play for any other team then Sibir. I feel good in this city and in our situation.

The whole interview is gold, give it a read here:


http://www.russianprospects.com/publ...article_id=705

[wendelclark17]

here some stuff from twitter today:

Tarasenko has been dealth to SKA, doesnt sounds like good news for owners.

dchesnokov Dmitry Chesnokov
#KHL's SKA officially announced they acquired Vladimir Tarasenko, the #STLBlues prospect. May convince him to stay. They're a rich club.

SlavaMalamud Slava Malamud
SKA St. Petersburg swoops in at the last moment to snatch Vladimir Tarasenko from Dinamo Moscow. Unsurprising. And troubling for #STLBlues.

SlavaMalamud Slava Malamud
SKA now has the time and the access to Tarasenko to vow him into staying. They are easily the richest team in the KHL #STLBlues

[SeaDawg]

I'm not surprised a rich club would try to sign him, but I still don't think he plays in the KHL next year

[Big Ev]

Tarasenko owners, SELL SELL SELL

[SeaDawg]

Tarasenko owners, SELL SELL SELL to me

[wendelclark17]

some more from twitter:

SlavaMalamud Slava Malamud
Keep in mind that the #StlBlues and the #Caps can sweeten Kuznetsov and Tarasenko entry deals w/ bonuses. And definitely will.

SlavaMalamud Slava Malamud
Depending on performance, an NHL rookie can definitely make $3-4M. Of course, KHL will offer 5-6, w/ 13% flat tax. Still... #Caps #StlBlues

[wendelclark17]

and one on Kuznetzov

dchesnokov Dmitry Chesnokov
Evgeni Kuznetsov was a guest on Hockey24, Russian TV program, where the talk was about him "packing his bags to the NHL." #Caps
6 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

[Veritas0Aequitas]

Both these guys will be in the NHL next year. Mark it.

[Big Ev]

Hasn't ANYONE learned by now that when Russians talk the talk, they don't walk the walk? NEVER take what they say at face value.

[Big Ev]

Both these guys will be in the NHL next year. Mark it.

*Looks at V0A's players*