Evan’s NHL Daily: Nixed Necas Trade, KHL Comings And Goings

Remember back in June when Martin Necas was almost certainly going to be traded? Yeah, that (obviously) didn’t happen. It wasn’t for lack of trying, though. Apparently the Sabres and Hurricanes thought they had a deal in place around the NHL Draft, but Necas had other ideas.

A former NHL star officially left to go back home to Russia on Wednesday. Meanwhile, two young Russian players left the KHL to come to North America, and Ilya Nabokov got his contract restructured after helping his team win a championship. That restructuring didn’t make his contract any longer, though.

Colorado Hockey Now

He’s got big goals when he does eventually get to the NHL – Ilya Nabokov wants to be the best goalie in the world.

They’re not going to move very far, but it does sound like they’re going to move. Martin Lind plans to move the Colorado Eagles a little east to Greeley.

News And Rumors

Buffalo Hockey Now: On his podcast, Frank Seravalli said that the Sabres thought they had a deal done for Martin Necas around the NHL Draft. Key word there is “thought.” The guy who said no to the move? Martin Necas.

I guess he didn’t want to sign an extension in Buffalo, which makes sense as they haven’t exactly been that successful. Now, as written in the article, some dispute that this was actually the case, but it’s a little surprising how difficult it has been for the Hurricanes to move Necas. He’s a good (not great) player, but maybe his contract demands are playing a role in this. I’m not sure I’d pony up the money on a long-term deal for him.

Washington Hockey Now: There were some rumors that Evgeni Kuznetsov might stick around in the NHL after terminating his contract with the Hurricanes, but that’s not happening. He’s headed back to the KHL on a deal that includes some massive bonuses.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Speaking of the KHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins got the extremely talented Sergei Murashov to cross the pond and sign his entry-level deal with them.

San Jose Hockey Now: He’s not alone, as Igor Chernyshov is coming to North America as well. I liked him a lot heading into the NHL Draft, but he fell to the first pick in the second round. Sounds like it’s either the OHL or AHL for him.

Is it getting easier to get some of these young guys to North America? Maybe, and maybe the Avalanche can get a few over next year.

Speaking of Nabokov, he got a raise after helping his team win the KHL Championship. After making $3 million Rubles last year, Metallurg upped his salary to $22 million for this coming season in a restructuring of his contract. That restructure did not include any changes to the term of his deal, as his contract still has just one year left on it.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens are betting big on Kaiden Guhle, giving him a huge extension on Wednesday.

New Jersey Hockey Now: That Brock Faber contract will impact a few teams in the NHL. The Devils might be one of them, as they could be forced to give Luke Hughes a similar deal.