Against the background of Russia’s isolation from all international competition, our compatriots in the NHL are those thin threads that still connect us with world sports. However, according to the American media, they will soon break off.

Overseas media created a real panic among the fans. They report that Russian stars will not be able to return to the NHL before the start of the new season. Hockey players should be hindered by difficulties in obtaining a work visa.

Can Ovechkin’s overseas career end so abruptly?

Guerin’s prophecy

NHL clubs began to show concern about the return of our compatriots even before the story with goalkeeper Ivan Fedotov. The goalkeeper of the Russian national team in early May signed a contract with Philadelphia, but the prospect of playing for the Pilots still looks vague for him. Fedotov is accused of evading the army, and until the story with the draft board has been resolved, it is not known where he will spend the next year.

Even before Philadelphia’s negative experience, Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin recommended that Kaprizov stay in the United States or train in Norway with teammate Mats Zuccarello after the end of the season. However, the Russian chose his homeland.

– What should I do? Say no, can’t you come home? People want to go home. They want to see their families. They just want to be at home no matter what happens. I don’t blame him,” Bill Guerin justified Kaprizov’s desire to spend his vacation in Russia.

Photo: © REUTERS / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Now the mentor has reason to say that he was right in advising Kirill not to return to Russia. Yes, and the managers of other clubs, where the Russians play, have a reason to worry.

At the same time, not only sports figures believe that our compatriots may not return to the NHL. University College London professor Ben Noble, who specializes in the study of Russian politics, said:

On the one hand, it is unlikely that NHL players will face any restrictions if they try to return to their teams in the United States or Canada, but there is always a chance that professional athletes will face additional problems.

Without work visas, Russians will not be allowed to play in the NHL

However, if these groundless fears are more like horror stories for American fans, then there are very real reasons why the Russians may have trouble returning to their clubs. The fact is that many Europeans, including Russian players, spent the 2021/22 season without work visas from the United States and Canada. The league made such an exception due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, this was a one-time promotion and they are not going to renew it for the next season.

You can get a US work visa only outside the state, so the league decided that during the 2021/22 season, players should have time to complete the necessary documents in the country of the founders of hockey. However, due to the tight game calendar, this was not possible. Now, the US consulate in Moscow does not issue visas, and due to numerous requests, obtaining permits in European countries takes much longer.

NHL bosses fear that this time it will not be possible to agree with the US government:

“Nothing official has come out, but there has been a lot of chatter that this exception, which has been in place for the past few years to allow these guys to enter the US without US visas, will be in effect after the fall. At the same time, the geopolitical situation has changed. That’s the real danger, – commented on the problems assistant general director of the NHL.

Photo: © REUTERS/Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Because of this story with visas, the fans raised a real panic.

“If Kaprizov doesn’t come back, I won’t even be surprised at all the shit that I already have to deal with as a Minnesota fan,” writes bananagang420

– Can you imagine what impact this will have on Tampa with the absence of Vasilevsky, Kucherov and Sergachev? Are there other teams that are based on the Russians? NetheriteHunter88, a lightning fan, gets upset

– As a fan of “Washington” I understand you. It’s hard for me to imagine if Kuzya, Orlov and Ovi don’t return to the Caps,” illiocostalis replies

Fans’ fears are intensified largely due to the Russophobic attitude of the American press. At the same time, there is no reasonable reason to think that Ovechkin and other Russians will remain in Russia. Unless the league itself rejects our superstars.