Getting uber-prospect Evgeni Malkin to the NHL isn't about letting the best play with the best. Instead, it's about the almighty buck, with Pittsburgh and the league ready to laugh all the way to the bank with increased gate revenue, merchandise sales and more. Unfortunately for the NHL, Malkin also means money to his Russian Super League team and they are not going to go down without a fight. Even if Malkin's "two-week notice" to get him out of his Russian contract succeeds, you can expect his squad overseas to immediately file suit in the U.S. to prevent him from attending training camp. In this international chess match, we wonder who will declare checkmate and whether Malkin's near-future ultimately becomes the pawn.
Posted by Janet Eagleson at 8/10/2006 11:50:00 AM |
