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Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Nah. Steer clear of Russians unless you have a strong veteran Russian presence already. Too risky that they dislike the coach and take their ball and go home. Not a good gamble IMO
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There has to be a good way to consistently develop Russians. Tampa does it. Washington too, though for obvious reasons.
There are only 38 Russians in the NHL - that's absurd. Much like we should be drafting a goalie every draft, we should also be drafting one Russian every year. They seem like budgies - better when they have a friend.
Any skilled Russian taken in the middle of the draft would have been drafted two rounds higher if he has a different passport. Take the risk.