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oldschoolcalgary · 07-15-2022, 10:02 AM

I think Johnny was genuinely torn - I do believe that his wife had a big say in things however as well (and I don't begrudge her for that either)

I mean people say Europeans play away from home all the time, which is true, however, the pay differential between the swedish elite league and the NHL isn't even comparable... The KHL has higher salaries for sure, but there are Russians that do stay there or use it as a bargaining level.

I think when that offer of 10.5 was on the table, Johnny would have happily signed it, but his wife had misgivings, especially being someone that was about to have a child, undoubtedly wanted to be closer to family and not deal with an international border. And the negotiations took a long time because Johnny was hoping to convince her to stay....

Money, in this case, wasn't the motivation

Maybe its just a defense mechanism, but I think Johnny was genuine in saying that he enjoyed his time here... Calgary isn't some cosmopolitan mecca, but its a nice place to live and raise a family. Safe, clean, reasonable close to the mountains, great restaurant scene.

I think eventually we may find out the reasons why...

07-15-2022, 10:02 AM	#2447
oldschoolcalgary Franchise Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Exp:	I think Johnny was genuinely torn - I do believe that his wife had a big say in things however as well (and I don't begrudge her for that either) I mean people say Europeans play away from home all the time, which is true, however, the pay differential between the swedish elite league and the NHL isn't even comparable... The KHL has higher salaries for sure, but there are Russians that do stay there or use it as a bargaining level. I think when that offer of 10.5 was on the table, Johnny would have happily signed it, but his wife had misgivings, especially being someone that was about to have a child, undoubtedly wanted to be closer to family and not deal with an international border. And the negotiations took a long time because Johnny was hoping to convince her to stay.... Money, in this case, wasn't the motivation Maybe its just a defense mechanism, but I think Johnny was genuine in saying that he enjoyed his time here... Calgary isn't some cosmopolitan mecca, but its a nice place to live and raise a family. Safe, clean, reasonable close to the mountains, great restaurant scene. I think eventually we may find out the reasons why...