I don't know if all are aware.. but Sweden recently backed out of the IIHF player transfer agreement that they had with the NHL. This is the same deal that the NHL and RSL couldn't come to an agreement on.
I've also read that Finland is planning on backing out of it as well within the near future. I could see this deal completely falling apart within the next little bit as I'm sure the Czechs/Slovaks/Germans will follow.
I totally agree with what these leagues are doing. They spend thousands of dollars developing these players and then lose them before they turn into superstars. Once a player has signed a contract with a team in Sweden, they must honor that contract until it is over. Once over, they are able to sign with anyone they please (NHL teams).
Within the next few years, we will see less European players coming to the NHL. Players will stay in their native country and play professional hockey for big dollars rather than spending 2 years in the AHL to get used to NA style hockey. I only think we will see the European superstars coming over now. No more medocore 3rd liners or players that require minor league seasoning while being paid peanuts and having to endure a brutal travel schedule like they do in the AHL.
While there are good teams overseas, the NHL is by far the top league. With less players coming over, does that hurt or help?
I'd probably put the RSL and SEL near the top of European leagues, so they'll have solid competition. Nothing compared to the NHL, but still.
It makes me think if the general day-to-day life of North Americans affects it. I've only read about it, but countries such as Sweden, Norway, Finland, etc. are all better places to live. Less day-to-day problems, little talk of war, better healthcare systems. I clearly don't know the ins and outs, just something I'm roughly aware of. Could it affect younger players wanting to stick around?
Now, I know this is more of the country backing out, and so far hasn't affected players. Swedish players have had a strong presence in the NHL for the past 20 years, and I think it will continue. I think like Trevor said, the best of the best will come over here. But it could cut down on the players who are fringe players making the hop across the Atlantic.
I don't know if this will make the game more worldly? Are countries trying to milk money out of Hockey now, like they do with Soccer? By trying to keep their talent locally and draw some more attention. I think that time will tell in the next few years. I don't think anything will be that tragic, but then again was the Malkin saga only the tip of the iceburg?
-- Edited by Eric_Isles at 21:12, 2007-12-06
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