The team he plays for paid millions to get him and weren't going to pay that to only have 1 year. He decided to stay there because the CBJ only offered him a roster spot not a starting spot and he wanted to play for russia. He will be here the second it's allowed in a top 4 spot.
My thinking is Jones and Z are obviously here. Murray likely and I'd prefer him here. So thats 3 of 6 with Nuti/Carlson/Kukan/Savard to fill 3 spots. If Gavrikov comes over he fits in that 4 at worst bottom pair but I don't see that happening. That leaves 2 spots with those 4 guys. Kukan can play 6th fine and the other 3 have great value. Obviously don't trade all 3 but trading 1 or 2 with a Milano or Jenner or even Wennberg for an upgrade works perfectly.
His agent said that he had achieved his goal of winning a Olympic gold(which is part of why he stayed) . My bet is his next goal is the cup. Jarmo seemed pretty confident he would come over, he'll be a little older and won't have the threat of possibly having to play in the AHL. By the time he comes to NA he should be a full time top 4 Dman.
As the CBJ fan who has posted about this guy non stop since literally the seventh round he was picked I will do my best to answer your questions.
Just curiuos why do you think it's raise, and not a paycut? I mean if he won't re-sign, why pay him more?
Because SKA, who have plenty of money, want to be on good terms with him if his NA career doesn't work out. If you can keep the player happy why not do it. Why would he take a pay cut mid-season when he's having a career year?
