Datsyuk to stay in Russia next year...

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

I don't know if some of you heard that, but if there is a NHL season next year, Pavel Datsyuk is going to stay in Russia and play for the Moscow Dynamo. Afinogenov and Forsberg also told they were going to stay in Europe next year.

It's ridiculous, the NHL can't continue to lose their stars players. What will Detroit fans will say to lose Datsyuk after a long lockout.

Sorry, I don't have link of the story right now.

[Eazy_b97 1]

http://www.spectorshockey.net/

Goto Trade Rumours

Foppa has been threatening to go home and play for years, mostly because of injuries, but he's always been injury prone. Reports like this are a little sketchy coming from Russia. On that site (linked) it says Ovechkin may stay to make more money, but that would only be in the immediate future. I hope and assume, the NHL will make "rookies" people who are new to NHL contracts to prevent people building up huge contracts in Europe until they are of age to make the big cash here. That way Overchkin and the like are forced to come over as rookies if they want to play here.

- Please don't ever call Afinogenov a star player again.

[Sven 1]

hilarious avatar, eazy. ^_^

[notorious#29 0]

As a Detroit fan, I would be really angry about that, since one of the best things about the Wings is Datsyuk, and he is a big part of the team. But I doubt there is going to be an NHL next season anyway. So im not that worried. I wonder who they would replace him with if they did play?

[Adam91 0]

Afinogenov isn't quite a star player although he does have star like momments and can be one of the more exciting players in the league

[Eazy_b97 1]

Afinogenov

Antropov

It's a slow saturday afternoon, so we'll compare two "stars"

[$-Money9 0]

Afinogenov got 31 points in the 2003/04 season which is pretty good by Buffalo standards. Ocassinaly he gets a nice goal. Antropov also got 31 points in the 03/04 season but I'd say Afinogenov is a far bigger contribution to his team.

[$-Money9 0]

I've always found Antropov a dissapointment. When he came into the league I thought he'd be much better.

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Afino is a star IMO, you guys are always looking at the points first. Look at their assets. That's way different.

[PBRyan 0]

I can understand why some people (obviously aside from fans of the teams those players are playing on) would be upset, especially for Forsberg. But Afinigonov? C'mon, there are probably 50 players that have not played a single game in the NHL that could put up better numbers than him AND be less of a liability defensively. I am pretty sure the Sabres organization are not too worried about him staying across the pond in Europe. Colorado on the other hand...

[$-Money9 0]

I think it's bad for the Sabers. Sure Afinigenov isn't a star but the Sabers do need him. He does alot for the team. The Avalance can play without Foresberg, there used to it, he gets hurt quite a bit. They also have plenty of other players.

[Chadd 916]

Afino is a star IMO, you guys are always looking at the points first. Look at their assets. That's way different.

No, he has potential, he is not a star. You have to put your potential to use before you become a star.

[PBRyan 0]

I would think to consider him a star, since he is a supposed goal scorer/playmaker you would have to look at his points (and those obviously not up there). He sure as hell is not a 2 way player. He does have sick moves, but that has not addded up to much at the NHL level.

[$-Money9 0]

Back to Datsyuk. That's a big loss for the Wings. I think he's underestimated. He is the future of the Wings.

[Chadd 916]

He is the future of the Wings.

Not if he doesn't come back. It could also be a play to get a bigger contract.

I honestly expect a lot of European players to stay in Europe for the next couple of years.

[PBRyan 0]

I think it's bad for the Sabers. Sure Afinigenov isn't a star but the Sabers do need him. He does alot for the team. The Avalance can play without Foresberg, there used to it, he gets hurt quite a bit. They also have plenty of other players.

As far as bringing fans to the games you may be right. He is fun to watch but I don't think the GM of the Sabres is really losing sleep over it.

[PBRyan 0]

I agree, its a big lose especiall considering the lack of youth on the wings.

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Not if he doesn't come back. It could also be a play to get a bigger contract.

Or to menace the NHL(Bettman). This may have been done by Goodenow.

[$-Money9 0]

I honestly expect a lot of European players to stay in Europe for the next couple of years.

I'd have to agree with you there.

[$-Money9 0]

I'm so sick of both of them.

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

I also expect a lot of them to stay in their country.

By the way, Stop your double post please, it's annoying.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Afinogenov got 31 points in the 2003/04 season which is pretty good by Buffalo standards. Ocassinaly he gets a nice goal. Antropov also got 31 points in the 03/04 season but I'd say Afinogenov is a far bigger contribution to his team.

Thus Afi should have more points. When you're supposed to be an offensive threat and you're team is lacking in Offensive weapons, you'll get more PP and other offensive time. Antropov was split between 3rd line and 2nd line duties most of the year, on a team which rolls 4 lines over. He didn't get much PP time as the first unit on Toronto generally handled 1:30 of it (Mogo, Sundin, Roberts) and then Tucker, Nolan and Niewy were usually the second unit if they ever got out. I still see potential in Antropov (one of the few Leaf fans who do), but he'll never be a star and put up great numbers. Both have a history of injuries, specifically knee injuries. There was almost a 40 difference in +/-, difficult to say one if a bigger contributer when he doesn't score more and he is hurting his team more when he is on the ice.

Kovy - I agree it can't all be determined by the numbers, but when you've played 4-5 years and are considered to be a scorer, but put up fourth line numbers something isn't right. Good players find a way to contribute. He doesn't contribute physically, statistically or verbally. What does he do?

[Adam91 0]

In terms of Antripov this guy in my opinion is a boardline NHL'r. I mean if he didn't play in Toronto most people wouldn't have a clue who he is. If both were on a good team Afinaganov would still be a player you can insert in situations when you need a goal I don't think Antripov has or will ever have the skill needed to become a successful NHL'r

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Kovy - I agree it can't all be determined by the numbers, but when you've played 4-5 years and are considered to be a scorer, but put up fourth line numbers something isn't right. Good players find a way to contribute. He doesn't contribute physically, statistically or verbally. What does he do?

Yep, I agree on that.

[Eazy_b97 1]

In terms of Antripov this guy in my opinion is a boardline NHL'r. I mean if he didn't play in Toronto most people wouldn't have a clue who he is. If both were on a good team Afinaganov would still be a player you can insert in situations when you need a goal I don't think Antripov has or will ever have the skill needed to become a successful NHL'r

The only problem I have with that comment is the results. Afinogenov just doesn't produce. Not yet anyways. He scores some highlight reel goals, but other than that, he's pretty invisible. Reminds me of an old Toronto guy by the name of Converey in that respect. I think Antropov is a big ugly skater which people love to knock on him, where Afinogenov is small and quick, which right now from a fan standpoint, people love. Seem to be putting up similar numbers and similar results though.