Risks of drafting Russian prospects

From Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch:

"It's only going to get worse in the minds of (NHL) general managers," one NHL agent said. "They are going to be more reluctant to take (Russian players) early because they're not sure if they will be able to come over."

Weary of seeing their best players flock to the NHL with little compensation, a new breed of deep-pocketed Russian owners is fighting back. Those owners are attempting to keep elite, homegrown talent within the startup Continental Hockey League (KHL) or secure transfer fees similar to international soccer.

KHL president Alexander Medvedev, a billionaire who made his fortune in natural gas, disputes Filatov's right to leave his club, CSKA Moscow, and join the Blue Jackets without paying a $1.5 million buyout. Never mind that it appears as though Filatov no longer is under contract to CSKA Moscow. It seems Medvedev is intent to raise a fuss over every high-profile selection, and the Russian federation is encouraging other European leagues to stand their ground, as well.

Read the entire article here.

I cannot disagree with Reed. Basically, if you have two prospects with similar talent, and one is from Russia with possible drawbacks such as the ones listed above, then which player would you select? As the transfer situation becomes more aggravating, NHL teams will almost certainly continue to shy away from drafting Russian prospects.

Alexander Medvedev on the Filatov situation

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

Q: How much compensation do you believe the Blue Jackets owe CSKA Moscow for Filatov's rights?

A: I am not in position to discuss compensation or any financial issues connected with this case. The only thing I can say is that to develop such a player costs a lot (of money). I guess it is the same case in most countries.

Q: You have stated that Filatov's contract was terminated with CSKA Moscow. If so, why do the Blue Jackets owe compensation?

A: I have to update you on this situation. Filatov's contract was signed with the CSKA club under the rules of the previous league. Last spring, all the contracts were reissued with KHL form. Once again, I have to tell you that I am not going into details on the question of financial compensation.

Read the entire interview here.

The Blue Jackets do not seem to be overly worried about Filatov's ability to play in North America this season. However, the KHL obviously isn't going to make Filatov's move easy for him.

Filatov is part of IIHF inquiry

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

It's unclear how much sway a suspension from international tournaments would hold with Filatov, an 18-year-old forward, but those close to him say it would not prevent him from playing in North America this season. If he doesn't make the Jackets' roster out of training camp, Filatov is expected to be sent to their minor-league affiliate in Syracuse, N.Y., or to a junior-league team.

Read the entire article here.

It appears that Filatov has followed the necessary legal steps to be able to play in the NHL next season. It would definitely be a surprise to me if Filatov wasn't playing in North America next season.

NHL rejects Filatov contract...but not to worry

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The NHL today rejected the contract signed by Nikita Filatov with the Blue Jackets late last week. But ...

It has nothing to do with Russian claims that Filatov is still property of his Russian club, CSKA Moscow, or that the Blue Jackets owe CSKA Moscow compensation. It has nothing to do with the Continental Hockey League.

Read the entire post here.

If that was the only problem with the contract, which by all accounts it was, then the contract should be approved tomorrow.

Don Meehan on Nikita Filatov

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

I asked Meehan how Filatov was handling the situation. Here's what he said:

"You know what? He's doing OK. Thanks for asking. I talked to him on Tuesday, and we're talking now more often because we're going through immigration process (work visa). He's doing fine, really. His one goal is to play in the NHL right now. You hear these threats out there, about being suspended from international play. Now, that has not been voiced to me. But Nikita's goal right now is to play in the NHL, and all of that stuff will be dealt with later. He's a brave kid. I told him that. You have to be brave to go through something like this. But he wants to play in the NHL. It's what he wants, and we're going to make it happen."

Read the entire entry from Puck-rakers here.

The Blue Jackets did their homework before the draft, not only on Filatov's skill level, but his willingness to come to the NHL. It has become obvious that he wants to be a Blue Jacket very badly, and it looks he should be at training camp come September.

Filatov is coming to Columbus, but not without a fight from the Continental Hockey League

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

On Wednesday, Alexander Medvedev, president of Russia's new Continental Hockey League, said he expects the Blue Jackets to compensate Filatov's Russian club, CSKA Moscow, at least $500,000 in each season for Filatov's rights. The Jackets and the NHL vehemently disagree with Medvedev's stance.

"It is the league's position that the Blue Jackets have no obligation to pay any fee whatsoever, regardless of where Mr. Filatov plays next year," said Bill Daly, deputy commissioner of the NHL.

Read the entire article here.

I don't think the Jackets will have to pay any compensation to the Continental League for bringing over Filatov. However, it is obvious that the league's president, Alexander Medvedev, is going to make the process as difficult as possible.

Filatov believes he's clear to play in the NHL

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

There have been reports in Russia that Filatov -- and other Russian players taken in this year's draft -- have been threatened with a four-year suspension from representing Russia in international competition if they leave for the NHL.

But, writing on his blog this week, Filatov said he believes his path is clear to join the NHL.

"I have a book in the hands of (the labor department), all documents with the seal," Filatov wrote. "What could be more questions? And how can I keep in Russia?

"The lawyers studied all the documents. There are no contentious issues."

Read the entire article here.

Filatov is probably correct, as he gave his 30 days notice and shouldn't have too many problems coming to Columbus. However, the continuous problems with Russian players coming to the NHL has underscored the importance of a workable transfer agreement between the two sides.