Filatov’s departure confirms what many in the NHL corridors of power refuse to talk about: the fact that the KHL represents the first real threat for elite talent since the WHA. While it is tempting to blame this on Filatov’s lack of character, the reality is there is a reason he slipped in the draft just as Kulikov slipped to the Panthers this year. Given the choice between the limitations of an expat lifestyle and slogging it out in the minors OR playing at home in Mother Russia for big money and the adulation of eastern european uber babes, I think it’s understandable that some of these young lads will choose the obvious temptation of easy money and the comforts of home.

With the KHL just announcing a new tv deal, this could get worse before it gets better. Russian billionaires have already overturned the competitive balance in the English Premiership and the same thing could happen if the KHL gets more aggressive and decides to go after ever bigger stars. Ovechkin and Malkin in particular could be targeted, especially as they’ve both confirmed they’ll play in the next Winter Olympics in Russia regardless of whether the league is involved or not.