Campbell's Cuts: New Russian league causing salary headaches for the NHL
Alexander Radulov celebrates his goal with teammates Jason Arnott, J.P. Dumont, and Marek Zidlicky during a game against the Detroit Red Wings. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
Ken Campbell
2008-07-14 14:19:30
There have been a number of factors in the NHL’s salary explosion over the years, but the domino that started it all was the establishment of the World Hockey Association in 1972.
Thirty-six years later, players have to be just as excited about the Continental Hockey League because it’s essentially opening a whole new world of idiots who are willing to overpay for them. Think about it. The pool of misguided sports entrepreneurs has just grown from 30 to 54 and nothing illustrates that better than Alexander Radulov’s renegade deal with Ufa Salavat of the KHL.
Forget that the people who run Ufa don’t seem to have any regard for the sanctity of a contract, they don’t seem to have a very good grasp on hockey talent, either. In Radulov, they had a player who was disgruntled with his contract and his playing situation and wanted to return home, yet Ufa decided to give him $4.33 million a year for the next three seasons.
Who do these guys think they are, the Toronto Maple Leafs?
As of Monday, all appeared to be status quo on the Radulov front with respect to the validity of the deal he signed with Ufa, but the NHL maintains it will continue to take a hard line and insist that the KHL reject the contract outright based on the peace accord struck between the NHL and the KHL the day before the Radulov deal with Ufa was announced.
But even if Radulov is ordered to play for Nashville next season, the problem certainly doesn’t end there. First of all, Radulov will be the biggest sour puss of all-time if he’s forced to go and play in Nashville for $948,000 next season (remember Dear Reader, these people do not live in the real world). It will also likely mean Radulov’s deal with Ufa will simply be delayed a year.
What’s more, the new peace pact has no provision for tampering. If an NHL team were to approach Radulov with the prospect of signing a future deal while he was still under contract to the Predators, it would be subject to tampering charges with the price being draft picks and millions of dollars in fines. What power does the NHL have over Russian teams that tampered with its players?
None. Just like it has no power over having potentially 24 more teams willing to overpay its players. Surely, Ufa knows Radulov hasn’t even scored a total of 50 goals in his two NHL seasons and he’s prone to long periods of low productivity. Certainly they’re aware when the Predators needed him most in Games 5 and 6 of their first-round series against the Detroit Red Wings, Radulov ran and hid, going scoreless with just two shots and a minus-2 rating.
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Perhaps he was just scared to go in the corners after injuring teammate Jason Arnott during a goal celebration.
Not to worry, Ufa was still willing to give him the equivalent of $6 million a season, proving beyond a doubt sheer lunacy knows no borders when it comes to hockey.
It’s doubtful the KHL will be able to sustain these kinds of contracts, but it’s clear the league has every intention of making life miserable for the NHL, at least in the short term.
And that’s great news for the players.
CUP RUNNETH OVER WITH…YUCK
It’s great every player from the Stanley Cup-winning team gets a day during the summer with the most beautiful trophy in sports. By having the Cup for a day, the player gets to share his accomplishment with the people most important for his success and, in many cases, it’s also used for charitable causes and to brighten the lives of those who are less fortunate.
But with that privilege also comes a sense of responsibility. I’ve said it time and again, but no league cheapens itself more than the NHL and the kinds of things the Cup seems to be exposed to in the summer does nothing to change my opinion.
What else do you expect from a league that aligns itself with a potato chip company and allows Mark Messier to bring the Cup to your basement for a night?
The Cup, to a very small extent, belongs to us all. There’s nothing wrong with making it accessible to fans and allowing them to see it close up, touch it and have their pictures taken with it.
But then you hear things such as people eating ice cream out of it. Apparently that’s a pretty common occurrence. A couple of years ago, Kris Draper put his daughter in the bowl without a diaper on and she pooped in the Cup.
And nobody seems to have a problem with that.
It’s time the league and the Hall of Fame set guidelines for the treatment of the Cup and it’s time the players who received it take some personal responsibility for how they treat it when they have it in their possession.
Ken Campbell is a senior writer for The Hockey News and a regular contributor to THN.com. His blog appears Tuesdays and Fridays and his column, Campbell's Cuts, appears Mondays.
For more great profiles, news and views from the world of hockey, Subscribe to The Hockey News magazine.
Boris (Posted 2008-07-21 12:11:48)
Stira, it's hardly personal to me, but seems to be to you especially since your response consists primarily of rather empty assertions about who/what "the best ____" are. These are just opinions and cannot, by their very nature proven. My points, on the other hand, tended to be about factual matters such the financial realities of professional sport and the (non-)jurisdiction of the IIHF in NHL/KHL transfers. You should watch that film "The Fan" with Bob DeNiro, I think you really misunderstand the point of professional sport. It IS just entertainment. The Penguins lost the NHL championship last season - so what? In terms of their business model (fan base, sales of tickets and merchandise, expansion of market etc.) it was just as good. Did the players want to win, well of course. Did many of their UFAs leave after the season? Yes...
stira (Posted 2008-07-21 00:47:38)
BORIS, I feel that this issue may be a little more personal for you, I am just speaking matter-of-factly. In response to a few of your assertions (1) "Whether the NHL is the best..." - The NHL is the best hockey league in the world, any argument otherwise at this point in time is just plain unfounded. The two best players in the world, and especially the two best Russians in the world play in the NHL, until the KHL has someone of their CURRENT stature, this is a moot point. (2) "Soviet dominance" - what this has to do with the current state of hockey in 2008 is of little relevance. I think we can agree that Canada is currently the No.1 producing hockey country in the world, again moot point. (3) "Russians like having the freedom to make decision for themselves" - of course they do, Radulov signed an entry level deal with Nashville. Bottom line he has a contract in place which he orchestrated and committed to. Just to remove any bias you may assume on my part, I understand the history of Russians "fleeing" to the NHL, if these contracts were signed in GOOD FAITH then they too should have been responsible to complete their contractual agreements. (4) "Most athletes will never win a championship" - Athletes get paid to win championships, I pay a ridiculous amount of my salary in the hopes that my team will win a championship, not to be entertained but to win. You think Ufa paid Jagr 7 mil to entertain, they paid to win. Make no mistake, players are motivated to win.
Boris (Posted 2008-07-20 21:26:44)
Stira, with all due respect, your post seems a little naive to me. Most athletes will never win a championship in professional sport, and they have a few short years to make all their money. An injury could cut that time frame short at any moment. To paraphrase Billy Bob Thornton's character in the film version of Friday Night Lights: the difference between winning and losing is not that much. To dictate what should motivate anybody else, much less an elite athlete playing on an entry-level contract in a foreign land is a bit presumptuous no? I'm not going to argue about whether the NHL is "the best"...that just seems goofy to me. All those years of Soviet dominance in international play make me wonder where that assertion comes from. To most of the world there's only one game that matters and they don't play it with a puck and sticks although they do have nets and their plays do get paid handsomely. In fact, the clubs in that sport buy and sell players like commodities and so I think maybe your point of reference is just off here. We live in a global world, try to see the bigger picture. At any rate, Radulov signed the contract, so it's obviously what he wanted to do. Russians like having the freedom to make decisions for themselves these days, who are you to take that away from them, I think they've waited long enough for that right.
stira (Posted 2008-07-20 18:48:05)
BORIS, while not debating the greater evil between Malkin and Radulov (as I believe in the sanctity of a contract and keeping your word [whether verbal, written, pinky sweared or whatever]), Radulov comes across badly because as I stated in an earlier post. For athletes of that stature the ultimate motivation should be winning and being the BEST. For a player with tremendous upside and alot yet to prove (in comparison to the names that have left: Jagr, Straka, Emery, Brylin, etc.). Leaving for an inferior league (which it is at this point in time, JUL 08) seems like a loser mentality and the money makes it all the more souring. It's easier to cheer for Malkin (while still making alot of coin) turned down more money in Russia for the chance to play with and at times under Crosby, Radulov on the other hand isn't even near their level and went home to be TOP DOG for an inferior team.
Boris (Posted 2008-07-20 17:25:37)
KC you are so misguided. Your column makes it sound like there is actually a transfer agreement in place between these two leagues and there isn't. There were discussions and evidently both sides have a different understanding of what that means - imagine my surprise, that's why there are lawyers an contracts in the world. BTW, why do YOU care what NHL players get paid or if the KHL might makes those salaries go up? Is it coming out of your discretionary funds at THN? Why are you talking about the sanctity of contracts? Where were you on Malkin being jacked out of a Russian leage or on the Leafs trying to opt out of the no-trade clauses in their in-place contracts? It would just be so refreshing if THN writers didn't always feel compelled to take sides in these things, just tell us the facts and details, including all of the details. There's so much history and detail that you've left out here that if I didn't already know them I'd be persuaded that Radulov's a bad guy and that the NHL is the victim here. Oh wait, that's what you want me to believe...Why?
stira (Posted 2008-07-19 14:30:17)
Bottom line is the elite players want to play in the NHL. Athletes are a motivated breed and the best motivation for them is winning. It's why the Olympics are more important than the World's, and why the NHL is better than the KHL. The only way the KHL could ever be deemed a threat is if they picked up Crosby or Ovechkin (who are both signed long term) or maybe Tavares, even if Malkin left with these players playing in the NHL, Hockey players will want to play there. It's one thing to beat a a team consisting of Ray Emery, a 38 year old Jagr, and Radulov. It's another thing entirely to beat Crosby, Ovechkin, or even a 35 year old Brodeur. For those motivated by money, $6 mil contracts won't be the norm as the KHL does have a cap in place (which is about half the NHL's current $56). So if poaching Radulov is a threat, who cares the NHL already poached Malkin, and that makes Radulov (by comparison) small potatoes.
Chris (Posted 2008-07-17 19:48:54)
Someone should poop on Draper.
Jordan (Posted 2008-07-17 07:34:27)
Georges- dont get me wrong, I'm not saying it cant happen, you do make good points. I just think that even a Euro league was created, it's going to take them a long time to get to the NHL's level, if ever. The NHL is also a lot bigger than it was when the WHA came around, plus the media presence is a lot stronger from than too, if nothing else for just the internet. There is also the factor of how many North American players are going to want to go to Europe? I guess that brings up another question- could it eventually devolve into the NHL being just North American players and the KHL/ECHL league being just Euro players? Maybe a bit extreme but an interesting thought.
Georges Drouin (Posted 2008-07-16 23:30:34)
Jordan, I don't have a crystal ball, but it only takes 8 to 12 cities in Europe to begin a trans-continental European league. The NHL only had 6 teams before the first expansion. The KHL, with its 20+ teams is only part of the solution. Don't forget the WHA took a number of years to arrive at forcing a merger. In Europe we're not talking of a merger but rather of a consolidation of Tier 1 teams to create what I call a division 1 league-like in soccer. The European leagues, including the KHL, the Swiss, German, Finnish, Swedish and others, would provide one or two top teams to a European Div 1 ECHL (European Continental Hockey League). The remaining teams would continue to continue to compete in Div 2 type leagues within their respective countries. It's a question of $, will power, consensus and wanting to really create an alternative to the NHL in Europe. It will take from 5 to 10 years to make it a viable alternative to the NHL for NHL players and to finance the dozen or so modern arenas required. Europe with its Union, its riches, not to mention Russia with its emerging capitalist economy have the wherewithal to succeed. The NHL chose to ignore the WHL over 30 years ago until it was too late. I believe this time they cannot afford to underestimate the probability of a ECHL. Clarence Campbell well over 35 years ago spoke of a European League which would compete for the Stanley Cup. He will have only been 45 years late in his prediction.
Jordan (Posted 2008-07-16 22:13:05)
Georges, cant say I agree with you regarding the rise the KHL or of a possible Euro league. Russia has some billionaires stepping up to the plate, and signing one guy away doesnt mean the KHL is on the rise. Who are the other prominent players they've "stolen" away? Ray Emery who was bought out a year after a new deal? A Jagr that will retire in a few years? If they keep over paying for guys like those, are they really a threat? They're biggest bid was for Malkin and thier attempt seemed to barely even register with him. As for an ECHL, easier said than done. Are cities going to want to pony up for brand new arenas? Will the arenas be the quality of the NHL rinks, a factor when a player wants to go over (I've heard Russian rinks arent that great, nor are their means of travel ofr the team)? Are the new owners willing to pony up the money for a new franchise, arena and players? Will their revenue be close to what the NHL gets while paying the players the same thing? It's all easier said than done, and I just dont think the KHL will be able to offer the prominence the NHL does, and I dont think that is a factor that should be under stated.
Maverick (Posted 2008-07-16 20:54:42)
Didn't the former Soviet Union stop the arms race with the United States because the United States simply was richer? How long can this last? Who knows? The KHL's success depends on their organization in financial matters so that they can try to compete with the NHL. The real problem is if they will manage better than the former WHA or as good as the NHL, they will give the NHL some real problems.
Georges Drouin (Posted 2008-07-16 17:51:08)
The NHL and most North American hockey pundits believe the KHL is in error w regard to a KHL team signing Radulov. Our criticism seems to overlook the fact that NHL teams have been signing a number of Russian players for years without respecting existing contracts with their European teams. We want to blackball Radulov for not respecting his NHL contract. I say contracts should be respected from both points of view. This obviously has led to a July 10 verbal agreement between the NHL and the KHL to prohibit this from happening in the future. A technicality seems to support the KHL position, i.e. Radulov signed on July 5th, 5 days before the NHL-KHL 'tentative agreement'.
In conclusion, let me say that we are witnessing exactly what happened when the WHA saw the light of day and the NHL was eventually forced to respect its rival. The KHL is a burgeoning rival to the NHL. It is only a matter of a few years when other cities in Europe will build larger arenas and accommodate enough fans to bankroll a ECHL, not Eastern Coast but rather European Continental Hockey League. Our arrogance and our ‘holier than thou’ attitude is unnecessary and too one-sided. It takes two parties to make an agreement. The NHL is now forced to respect European hockey and the Russian league is simply a step towards parity and the NHL being forced to respect ‘other’ entities in the world of international hockey.
JOhn Ramacca (Posted 2008-07-16 16:23:12)
I agree with Ken, if we can't all poop in the cup no one should be able to.
Bryan The Great (Posted 2008-07-16 14:47:52)
Possibly the best way to fight this might be expansion. Expansion you say? Think about it put 2 teams in the league and you generate $100-$110 million extra salary by 2 other teams. The Russian clubs can pay big money to 1 or 2 players to lure them from NHL, but after expansion draft and teams needing to fill spots vacated. The NHL could lure 20 players from Russia. Though Bettman doesn't want to admit it, Canada is lacking a few NHL teams and would generate so much more Revenue for the NHL. This in turn would also push Salary Cap up. Hamilton,Winnipeg,Regina,Team on East coast could each do with a team. So you now have created more jobs,more money to be spent on contracts to stop players from going to Russia and more money to lure players from Russia.
Pavel Obnoskin (Posted 2008-07-16 13:10:35)
US$ not worth so much now! Many more Russian player will soon be in KHL! Russian teams will beating NHL many more times now!
Kurt Alan (Posted 2008-07-16 11:01:42)
It does seem like a lot has been made of this league and it's impact on the NHL. Personally, I think that we should wait until teams in that league actually play some games, if not a full season, before claiming they're a threat. Yes, the new economy in Russia has created a bunch of millionaires who are starting up the league, but does the general public have the dough to support the league, especially if the team owners try make up some of these incredibile contracts with high ticket prices? That's one major question. Russia isn't what it used to be, especially in the major cities. It's not like one of the benefits the league offers is letting players skip in front in the bread lines. I think many North Americans will be surprised at how many Russians/Europeans ect will be interested in playing there, IF the league shows some merit.
Jordan (Posted 2008-07-16 08:56:14)
I honestly dont think that the KHL is going to have a great impact on the NHL. Yes, you'll get the Radulov's, but for every Radulov they take they'll be taking five, ten Josef Stumpels, Alexei Morozov's, or other aging or never been players in the league that wont really be missed. Most players have a desire to play in the NHL as it is known as the best league in the world. Until the KHL proves it is truly comparable, players are going to want to go to the NHL which has greater stigma and popularity. And while the KHL may try and poach young players, look what has happened with young player contracts since the lockout. Burke said it best: the second contract is gone. Teams now pay for potential, giving five, six year deals for four to five million a year to guys like Perry, Whitney, Horton etc. who will grow into their contract. And while after taxes it doesnt amount to what their salary in Russia would, they will be more prolific in the NHL than the KHL if for nothing else the greater media power the NHL has. Plus players have already rejected offers from the KHL. Malkin was offered twelve million a year to go back. Instead he signed for less than nine million to stay with the Penguins, and with taxes, his actual net was probably going to be five million or more a year in Russia. He wants to play in the NHL because it is the best league in the world, and I think many others will share that sentiment. The KHL may give the NHL a headache, but I dont think they will be more than that in the long run.
Alex in AZ (Posted 2008-07-16 00:32:55)
Somebody's going to get pink eye.
Al Barto (Posted 2008-07-15 23:33:33)
as long as the KHL doesn't take good players /w potential, its fine by me. Also, flake is right, poo in the cup gives us bragging rights
R Weisman (Posted 2008-07-15 21:06:35)
If they were using the real cup that would be one thing. The replica that gets taken around is nice but is quite replaceable if something happens. Check out the real cup in the Hockey Hall of Fame vault in Toronto
steele (Posted 2008-07-15 18:32:11)
im suprised drapers kids even use bowls hes a neanderthal
amuir (Posted 2008-07-15 16:05:32)
HA!
rob (Posted 2008-07-15 12:41:43)
i thought that they had multiple cups so that if one got defaced or whatever they could replace it
josh (Posted 2008-07-15 11:57:03)
i think that someone dropped a duce in the cup on the howard stern show. wiki it!
Jimi Guy (Posted 2008-07-15 10:50:49)
The KHL, in my opinion, is going to take the European players out of the NHL. I don't mean all of them, but think about it, they are offering big contracts to these players and they don't have to travel across the Atlantic to get home. They get to play close to home for the same, and sometimes more, money then they make in the NHL. I think the KHL is gonna put a hurt on the NHL.
Jim Goodwin (Posted 2008-07-15 02:15:09)
She is not the first child to poop in the cup. Red Kelly's daughter did that back in the 60's.
Flake (Posted 2008-07-15 01:05:24)
No other trophy in sports has been pooped on/in by an infant, to me it's bragging rights! I'm sure Draper's kid didn't do it on purpose. Now if a full blown adult took a dump in it, that would be a matter of disrespect and that person would need to be vaporized...
Jimmy Bub (Posted 2008-07-14 23:17:11)
I'm sure it has been sterilized....
Brian P (Posted 2008-07-14 15:05:09)
You'd think that Draper, of all people, wouldn't have his kids eating ice cream out of the Cup this summer after his daughter pooped in it a few years ago. But I saw an interview and apparently he did, and they were having cereal out of it too. Ew. Somebody's going to get a disease...
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