The International Ice Hockey Federation informed the NHL, the NHLPA and the Russian KHL that the international transfer of six players are officially under investigation. The six players involved are:
* Alexander Radulov (to KHL)
* Nikita Filatov (to NHL)
* Thomas Mojzis (to NHL)
* Jason Krog (to KHL)
* Fedor Fedorov (to NHL)
* Viktor Tikhonov (to NHL)
Until this investigation has come to its final conclusion and the IIHF has rendered its decisions, all concerned players will be suspended from international transfers and competitions. However, it doesn't stop the players from playing in league games. I have no idea how the IIHF will decide in each case and whether the parties will abide by their decision.
The KHL immediately announced that they did not agree with the suspensions because there is no agreement covering Radulov and Krog when they were signed. The KHL said they would not enforce an agreement that hasn't been signed.
A Nashville newspaper reported yesterday that Radulov has begun to practice with his KHL team which is bound to elicit a strong reaction from the NHL. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly had already begun sabre rattling the day before when he told the AP that they didn't care if an agreement was in place. Unless Radulov is returned to his NHL team, the NHL will not be sitting down to negotiate anything with the KHL. There will be no cooperation between the two leagues.
This has got to be the most interesting development during the NHL off season. Where Sundin ends up pales in comparison.
12 years ago
