From Russia with, Love?

Another day, another issue for the NHL. With the end of the lockout looming and players reporting back to training camp later this week many are already back and raring to go including most of the guys who went over seas. Most. There are now some players who have decided to stick around for a little while or perhaps longer in the KHL. Lubomir Visnovski has stated that he has no intentions of leaving and returning to the New York Islanders. Now, granted long gone are the glory days of Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin and co. on the Island, but that doesn't give him the right to renege on his contract simply because his team isn't a contender. They have a lot of young talent and could use a veteran like him. If he were reporting to the Detroit Red Wings I have a feeling the situation may be very different. The biggest name who may still defect is Ilya Kovalchuck. Not one known for character on the ice, Kovalchuck is thinking of staying in Russia for the season. What must be going through Lou Lamarillo's head if he loses him after losing Parise? Some of his jersey 'boys' may go knocking on some doors. KHL president Alexander Medvidev came out with a speech that was reminiscent of a James Bond villain stating that the NHL has "such a high opinion of it's self...let them get drunk on their power, see how many euros go their way...We will help those who want to stay." Obviously this makes sense for his league but this attitude has caused a lot of tension between the NHL, KHL and IIHF. After the Alexander Radulov debacle when he defected on Nashville, the leagues were supposed to work together to honour each others contracts. So much for honour. Other stars like Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malikn have returned but Ovechkin made it quite clear that if his salary would have been rolled back he'd have no issues staying in Russia. I understand the appeal for these guys, playing at home in front of family and friends in one of the best leagues in the world, but it's not the best. The NHL owes it's status as the world best league because it draws the best players from around the world. There is no denying that, but players have signed and agreed to come here of their own volition because they want to be the best and this sends a very mixed message to other players and leagues around the world. Clearly the NHL is not without fault for the labour dispute but the fact is that you have to honour you commitments and this guys either should or should have their contracts voided by the league immediately, not that it will do much good to the teams who need them.