[TurdFerguson]

I like Nichushkin a fair deal and I dont buy the "Russian factor" for top end picks. That said, I don't love him as a Flames pick because whoever the Flames pick will be viewed as "the guy" for the rebuild. That is a lot of pressure for anyone let alone someone adapting to the NA way of life and learning English. Nichushkin is a fantastic fit in a place like Carolina - he doesn't need to be "the guy" and he has some other strong leadership and Russians to help bring him along.

The NHL or bust approach doesn't bother me that much either. As long as he is playing in a league that will help his development, which the KHL certainly will, then it doesn't matter. Many other players from other countries take the same approach. I guess the only difference is the worry that because the KHL actually pays well he may never come back over - but I maintain, if he is in fact a top flight player, as he is being billed to be, then that is not a factor. All top-end players come the NHL, some slower then others, but they all want to be in the best league.