Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandman
Exactly right about Lindstrom. As for the Russian factor, it's real and always present, and with the state of the world these days, it's only getting worse IMO. Ask Flyers' prospect G Ivan Fedotov how much Russia likes to lose it's players to their enemies. Up until now, it hasn't affected the NHL bringing their top prospects over much, but it often takes a few years for said players contracts to expire in the KHL. However, it may get harder-Fedotov was supposed to come to NA this season, but he signed a 2-year contract with the KHL (I suspect he didn't have much of a choice) after being arrested and forced into his mandatory military service, that prevents him from going to the NHL. The Flyers have appealed to the IIHF.
Demidov's deal in the KHL lasts until the end of 2024-25. His 64 points in 44 MHL games last year is a record for U-18 players, and he might be better than Michkov. I still see him dropping a few spots, as Michkov did.
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Also I would add that Michkov reportedly told certain teams (Arizona) he would not sign with them.
One of the main issues with Michkov was that he was signed to the KHL for another 3 years at the time of the draft. When you compare that having Carlsson, Fantilli, Smith, Reinbacher, in you line up in the upcoming season or the following season, it becomes much easier to pick the other players over the Russian who is still at least 3 years away, very picky about which team(s) he wants to play for, and limited viewings because of international sanctions.