[News] Edmonton is a graveyard for young russians

[browna]

Originally Posted by Iginla

Makarov
Titov
Saprykin

All pretty serviceable Russians.

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.

[Locke]

Which is odd...you'd think Russians would be unusually comfortable in Edmonton with its inexplicable Soviet-era architecture and harsh, unforgiving climate.

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by Locke

Which is odd...you'd think Russians would be unusually comfortable in Edmonton with its inexplicable Soviet-era architecture and harsh, unforgiving climate.

If you spent your life in Russia, you’re not leaving for the politically stable, non-Russian speaking equivalent.

You’re taking your talents to South Beach.

[drewtastic]

Originally Posted by Iginla

Makarov
Titov
Saprykin

All pretty serviceable Russians.

Trefilov & Torgajev are two other players I really liked. One was the casualty of injuries and the other likely the casualty of late entry into the NHL.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Locke

Which is odd...you'd think Russians would be unusually comfortable in Edmonton with its inexplicable Soviet-era architecture and harsh, unforgiving climate.

They probably get Siberian prison camp vibes after a couple months. Being desolate, cold and the northern-most location in the league.

And in the summer I'd imagine it must harken back to Chernobyl. Both have built a giant metal structure housing a toxic environment, and have "something" in the surrounding waters.

[timun]

Originally Posted by CalgaryFan1988

That Sergei Makarov guy was alright.

Let's not forget that that Makarov guy desperately wanted out of Calgary after three years...

[David Struch]

Then there was the whole Kucherov thing in 2011 too, Conroy says the Flames overplayed their hand thinking they could grab Kucherov later in the draft. The Lightning took Kucherov immediately after Calgary choose Wotherspoon. After that, the Flames knew they had better grab Johnny ASAP.

[Gaudfather]

In Russia they say E=NYET!

[McG]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

They probably get Siberian prison camp vibes after a couple months. Being desolate, cold and the northern-most location in the league.

And in the summer I'd imagine it must harken back to Chernobyl. Both have built a giant metal structure housing a toxic environment, and have "something" in the surrounding waters.

Same levels of propaganda and media control too!