Will Kovalchuk Become Richest Russian Ever?

The KHL Russian super-league appears have become an enticing option for NHL players not believing they are getting the money they deserve. Earlier this week, reports began to surface that SKA St. Petersburg the KHL franchise owned by league owner Alexander Medvedev, has offered disgruntled NHL phenom Ilya Kovalchuk a three year $42 million contract, which would see him make $14 million a season. Fans betting on Kovalchuk to stay in the NHL and turn down the offer, follow one of two thoughts, either Kovalchuk is in the league to win a championship or he feels he can receive a better offer in the NHL.

When betting on where athletes will end up playing, one should take media rumours under advisement, as they are not always accurate. Nevertheless, Medvedev and the KHL have a goal of becoming the next best option for NHL players, as many stars have had to settle for less than they are worth, due to the NHL being the only ticket in town. However, if Kovalchuk signs with the SKA St. Petersburg franchise, he will set the groundwork for more superstars leaving the NHL. As a result, the NHL owners will have to meet the demands of their players and may end up running into financial trouble. Or as a result of the high contract demands of many superstars around the league including Kovalchuk, basement dweller teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers, two teams which unloaded previously heavy contracts, will be able to turn their franchises around.

Conversely, Medvedev, supposedly offering Kovalchuk the three year $42 million deal, comes as an ironic twist for the Russian league, as a few of its franchises have gone bankrupt as a result of promising large contracts and not being able to pay. Storied franchise Dynamo Moscow was forced to fold because of poor attendance and a ton of debt. If Kovalchuk leads a wave of NHLer’s to the KHL, it may also be a bad thing as more teams may go bankrupt.