There is growing concern in the National Hockey League about the status of Russian players, both because of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and now, in large part, because of the current situation involving Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ivan Fedotov.
Due to the international attention Russia has received, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin has become one of the most controversial figures in the NHL for what would be his close ties to the current Russian government. Despite the criticism he has faced on the issue, Ovechkin's only public comments on the matter to the English-language media have been a call to end any war, and since making that statement, he has remained silent on the issue.
Recall that Fedotov did not speak ill of the Russian government, but simply expressed his desire to play for the Flyers after signing a contract with them in May. That was apparently enough for the military police to detain him and take him to a facility where he would become ill, a situation that led to fears that Fedotov had been poisoned.
If these are the consequences of simply trying to play in North America, who knows what could potentially happen to Ovechkin, or his family members who remain in Russia, if he were to actually speak out as many had hoped.
One has to wonder if the CH should bring Alexander Romanov and Evgeny Dadonov back to town as soon as possible to secure their services for next season and, more importantly, to know they are safe.
