Quote:
Originally Posted by Iginla
Makarov
Titov
Saprykin
All pretty serviceable Russians.
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Saprykin was a headache, not reporting to St John back in the day, upset partly when Bure was traded away.
That was that for Flames patience with Russians it seems. Sure Saprykin smartened up and played parts of a couple more seasons. But serviceable is about all you could say about his body of work here, and not close to the expectation of a #11 overall pick.
Far from an authority on this, but the option, and aggressiveness of the KHL to have Russians play in the league, and the mix of loyalty in there for Russians to play in Russia, all sways Russian players here more then other Europeans.
If things don’t work out here in the NHL, or hit a bump in the road, with the KHL as an option, and, likely the immediate advice given by friends of the player is to ditch North America and go play in the KHL, the player can’t help but consider that rather then take as much time to stick it out here.
I am sure I am generalizing to a point, but I think Saprykin above is a perfect example of that. He thought he should be in the NHL especially on a poor Flames team of that 2001 era, was instead sent down to the farm team after training camp, and my guess his family and friends in Russia told him he doesn’t have to stand for that and instead come play with CSKA Moscow where you will be happy. Even after he recommits, makes the big team in a 3rd line role and plays a few years in the NHL, that backup KHL option is always in the back of his head as a greener pasture, is my guess.