Plan B: NHL MVP Evgeni Malkin will play in the Russia-based KHL for the duration of the NHL lockout. APEvery player on an NHL roster as of Sunday morning became free to seek other work for the duration of the lockout, and many started doing so immediately. The Russia-based KHL is expected to lure some of the NHL's biggest names and teams from Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Germany and the Czech Republic will come calling as well.Depending on the length of the lockout, it could result in a massive displacement of players throughout the hockey world."The scary part is I think you'll see some of the best players in the game (going over)," said Calgary Flames forward Mike Cammalleri. "Let's hope they come back when they're going to get paid the dollars they're going to get paid in some of these leagues to go play now."Nearly 400 NHL players suited up in 19 different European leagues during the lockout that cancelled the entire 2004-05 season. It was a migration that came with a fair bit of controversy as the NHLers pushed others out of jobs.The debate around that topic has already restarted again, but it's unlikely to deter many of the 750 locked-out members of the NHL Players' Association."I'm a hockey player and it's a competitive business," said Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. "Would I look forward to that opportunity of taking someone's job? No. But at the end of the day I'm a hockey player."If the NHL's most recognizable player ends up signing in Europe at some point, he's most likely to head to Russia or Switzerland. Penguins teammate Evgeni Malkin is committed to his hometown team in Magnitogorsk, which announced his signing along with that of Ottawa Senators defenceman Sergei Gonchar on Sunday, and he's already believed to have started lobbying No. 87 to join him.The KHL has established guidelines for its teams to follow during the lockout. Each is permitted to sign a maximum of three NHLers for a salary worth no more than 65 percent of what they were due to earn in North America this season.For the 20 teams based in Russia, only one of the three spots can be used on a foreigner, and that person must have played at least 150 NHL games over the past three seasons, suited up recently for his national team or won the Stanley Cup or a major individual award. The six located outside the Russian border can sign players who don't meet any of those criteria.Now in its fifth season, the KHL believes it is in a position to capitalize on the availability of so many elite players."Mainly I think it's going to be a lot of additional marketing potential for the league and hockey itself as a game," KHL vice president Ilya Kochevrin said recently. "The stars bring additional attention . . . to a lot of people who probably don't consider hockey the sport of choice."There has been some debate in Swedish hockey circles about how best to approach the lockout. The top division, known as Elitserien, has said all players must sign a contract for the entire season — not one that would terminate if the NHL reaches a deal in collective bargaining.However, the second-tier Allsvenskan is willing to take on NHLers and currently includes past Swedish champions Djurgarden, Leksand and Malmo. Some believe the Elitserien will reconsider its policy when lower-division teams seeking promotion start bringing in reinforcements.Swedish teams are restricted to having just two players born outside of Europe on their rosters.Contract offers will also arrive from less traditional hockey countries as well. Teams in Italy, Austria, Great Britain and Norway were among those to sign NHLers during the last lockout.The biggest issue for players is making sure that they're properly insured in case of injury — a relatively straightforward process for those who are healthy and on short-term deals, but much more complicated for a player like Crosby, who has a concussion history and is owed nearly $112 million over the next 13 seasons.The topic of playing in Europe was covered during a union meeting of more than 275 NHL players in New York last week. The NHLPA advised on situations players will want to avoid and stressed the importance of following all the proper steps.In recent weeks, the prospect of playing abroad became a popular topic of discussion among players."A lot of guys went over last time and played and enjoyed it," said Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza. "And I think that message has kind of trickled down."
Showing posts with label begin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label begin. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Locked-out NHL stars begin to explore options
NEW YORK — With the doors locked shut at National Hockey League arenas, the best hockey players on the planet are turning their focus to a new world of opportunities.Plan B: NHL MVP Evgeni Malkin will play in the Russia-based KHL for the duration of the NHL lockout. APEvery player on an NHL roster as of Sunday morning became free to seek other work for the duration of the lockout, and many started doing so immediately. The Russia-based KHL is expected to lure some of the NHL's biggest names and teams from Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Germany and the Czech Republic will come calling as well.Depending on the length of the lockout, it could result in a massive displacement of players throughout the hockey world."The scary part is I think you'll see some of the best players in the game (going over)," said Calgary Flames forward Mike Cammalleri. "Let's hope they come back when they're going to get paid the dollars they're going to get paid in some of these leagues to go play now."Nearly 400 NHL players suited up in 19 different European leagues during the lockout that cancelled the entire 2004-05 season. It was a migration that came with a fair bit of controversy as the NHLers pushed others out of jobs.The debate around that topic has already restarted again, but it's unlikely to deter many of the 750 locked-out members of the NHL Players' Association."I'm a hockey player and it's a competitive business," said Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. "Would I look forward to that opportunity of taking someone's job? No. But at the end of the day I'm a hockey player."If the NHL's most recognizable player ends up signing in Europe at some point, he's most likely to head to Russia or Switzerland. Penguins teammate Evgeni Malkin is committed to his hometown team in Magnitogorsk, which announced his signing along with that of Ottawa Senators defenceman Sergei Gonchar on Sunday, and he's already believed to have started lobbying No. 87 to join him.The KHL has established guidelines for its teams to follow during the lockout. Each is permitted to sign a maximum of three NHLers for a salary worth no more than 65 percent of what they were due to earn in North America this season.For the 20 teams based in Russia, only one of the three spots can be used on a foreigner, and that person must have played at least 150 NHL games over the past three seasons, suited up recently for his national team or won the Stanley Cup or a major individual award. The six located outside the Russian border can sign players who don't meet any of those criteria.Now in its fifth season, the KHL believes it is in a position to capitalize on the availability of so many elite players."Mainly I think it's going to be a lot of additional marketing potential for the league and hockey itself as a game," KHL vice president Ilya Kochevrin said recently. "The stars bring additional attention . . . to a lot of people who probably don't consider hockey the sport of choice."There has been some debate in Swedish hockey circles about how best to approach the lockout. The top division, known as Elitserien, has said all players must sign a contract for the entire season — not one that would terminate if the NHL reaches a deal in collective bargaining.However, the second-tier Allsvenskan is willing to take on NHLers and currently includes past Swedish champions Djurgarden, Leksand and Malmo. Some believe the Elitserien will reconsider its policy when lower-division teams seeking promotion start bringing in reinforcements.Swedish teams are restricted to having just two players born outside of Europe on their rosters.Contract offers will also arrive from less traditional hockey countries as well. Teams in Italy, Austria, Great Britain and Norway were among those to sign NHLers during the last lockout.The biggest issue for players is making sure that they're properly insured in case of injury — a relatively straightforward process for those who are healthy and on short-term deals, but much more complicated for a player like Crosby, who has a concussion history and is owed nearly $112 million over the next 13 seasons.The topic of playing in Europe was covered during a union meeting of more than 275 NHL players in New York last week. The NHLPA advised on situations players will want to avoid and stressed the importance of following all the proper steps.In recent weeks, the prospect of playing abroad became a popular topic of discussion among players."A lot of guys went over last time and played and enjoyed it," said Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza. "And I think that message has kind of trickled down."
Plan B: NHL MVP Evgeni Malkin will play in the Russia-based KHL for the duration of the NHL lockout. APEvery player on an NHL roster as of Sunday morning became free to seek other work for the duration of the lockout, and many started doing so immediately. The Russia-based KHL is expected to lure some of the NHL's biggest names and teams from Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Germany and the Czech Republic will come calling as well.Depending on the length of the lockout, it could result in a massive displacement of players throughout the hockey world."The scary part is I think you'll see some of the best players in the game (going over)," said Calgary Flames forward Mike Cammalleri. "Let's hope they come back when they're going to get paid the dollars they're going to get paid in some of these leagues to go play now."Nearly 400 NHL players suited up in 19 different European leagues during the lockout that cancelled the entire 2004-05 season. It was a migration that came with a fair bit of controversy as the NHLers pushed others out of jobs.The debate around that topic has already restarted again, but it's unlikely to deter many of the 750 locked-out members of the NHL Players' Association."I'm a hockey player and it's a competitive business," said Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. "Would I look forward to that opportunity of taking someone's job? No. But at the end of the day I'm a hockey player."If the NHL's most recognizable player ends up signing in Europe at some point, he's most likely to head to Russia or Switzerland. Penguins teammate Evgeni Malkin is committed to his hometown team in Magnitogorsk, which announced his signing along with that of Ottawa Senators defenceman Sergei Gonchar on Sunday, and he's already believed to have started lobbying No. 87 to join him.The KHL has established guidelines for its teams to follow during the lockout. Each is permitted to sign a maximum of three NHLers for a salary worth no more than 65 percent of what they were due to earn in North America this season.For the 20 teams based in Russia, only one of the three spots can be used on a foreigner, and that person must have played at least 150 NHL games over the past three seasons, suited up recently for his national team or won the Stanley Cup or a major individual award. The six located outside the Russian border can sign players who don't meet any of those criteria.Now in its fifth season, the KHL believes it is in a position to capitalize on the availability of so many elite players."Mainly I think it's going to be a lot of additional marketing potential for the league and hockey itself as a game," KHL vice president Ilya Kochevrin said recently. "The stars bring additional attention . . . to a lot of people who probably don't consider hockey the sport of choice."There has been some debate in Swedish hockey circles about how best to approach the lockout. The top division, known as Elitserien, has said all players must sign a contract for the entire season — not one that would terminate if the NHL reaches a deal in collective bargaining.However, the second-tier Allsvenskan is willing to take on NHLers and currently includes past Swedish champions Djurgarden, Leksand and Malmo. Some believe the Elitserien will reconsider its policy when lower-division teams seeking promotion start bringing in reinforcements.Swedish teams are restricted to having just two players born outside of Europe on their rosters.Contract offers will also arrive from less traditional hockey countries as well. Teams in Italy, Austria, Great Britain and Norway were among those to sign NHLers during the last lockout.The biggest issue for players is making sure that they're properly insured in case of injury — a relatively straightforward process for those who are healthy and on short-term deals, but much more complicated for a player like Crosby, who has a concussion history and is owed nearly $112 million over the next 13 seasons.The topic of playing in Europe was covered during a union meeting of more than 275 NHL players in New York last week. The NHLPA advised on situations players will want to avoid and stressed the importance of following all the proper steps.In recent weeks, the prospect of playing abroad became a popular topic of discussion among players."A lot of guys went over last time and played and enjoyed it," said Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza. "And I think that message has kind of trickled down."
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Crosby says season could begin late
NEW YORK — NHL players braced for the league's fourth work stoppage to begin this weekend, and Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby said "it's not looking great" for the season to start on time Oct. 11.Crosby was among more than 280 players who attended union meetings in New York that ended Thursday. NHL owners also met Thursday ahead of the expiration of the sport's labor contract at midnight Saturday night, and commissioner Gary Bettman plans to call for a lockout if there's no deal by then.Crosby said he'll consider playing overseas if part of the NHL season is canceled. He also said "things can change pretty quickly."Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller said NHL Players' Association executive director Donald Fehr is doing a far better job communicating with members than leadership did in the last lockout, which wiped out the 2004-05 season.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Matsuzaka to begin new rehab stint
NEW YORK — Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka will take the mound for Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday, coming back from neck and back stiffness to begin a fresh rehab assignment, the club said Thursday.The 31-year-old Matsuzaka, who is working his way back from Tommy John elbow ligament surgery last June, was shut down last weekend just prior to the end of his initial rehab assignment. Matsuzaka missed a scheduled start on Tuesday and received a cortisone shot to remove tension from his right trapezius muscle.Saturday's return will mark the start of a fresh rehab assignment, in which Matsuzaka can continue to pitch in the minors for up to 30 days. Matsuzaka has made five minor-league starts since April 23, posting an ERA of 4.62 over 25? innings pitched.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Twins' Nishioka set to begin rehab
Oakland Calif. — Minnesota Twins second baseman Tsuyoshi Nishioka, who is recovering from a fractured left fibula, will have to play at least 10 games in the minor leagues to get ready, manager Ron Gardenhire said Wednesday.According to the club's trainer, the 26-year-old major league rookie performed sprinting drills the same day in Fort Myers, Florida, and his recovery looks on track.Gardenhire has not decided whether to play Nishioka at second base or shortstop when he returns.Nishioka broke his left leg on a hard slide by Nick Swisher while attempting to turn a double play in the seventh inning of a 4-3 loss to the New York Yankees on April 7.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Cox to begin competing for Britain
London — American 400-meter runner Shana Cox will represent Britain beginning in November after the IAAF approved her switch of nationalities.The 26-year-old Cox could compete for her adopted country at the 2012 Olympics in London, where both her parents were born. The New York-born Cox was the 2008 NCAA champion in the 400 and part of Penn State's winning 4x400 relay. Her personal best of 50.84 seconds in the 400 trails only three active British women, including Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu.Cox says "this is something I've always wanted... and I'm looking forward to being part of an amazing team."Tiffany Ofili, a U.S.-born sprint hurdler, and Anguilla-born longjumper Shara Proctor also recently switched allegiances to Britain.
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