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LW Nikita Gusev - SKA, KHL (2012, 202nd, TBL; traded to VGK)

Caser, do you see Gusev wanting to come to NA?

Kucherov was dead set on being in the NHL and wanting to play in NA. Gusev is breaking out in the KHL and will probably get a big payday. Knowing Cooper, he's not going to give Gusev first line time out of the gate.

In my eyes it doesn't seem like there's much incentive to come over, but has he commented on it at all or is it known he wants to stay/go?

Also: how do you see him playing the NA game?
 
Butchered said:
Caser, do you see Gusev wanting to come to NA?

Kucherov was dead set on being in the NHL and wanting to play in NA. Gusev is breaking out in the KHL and will probably get a big payday. Knowing Cooper, he's not going to give Gusev first line time out of the gate.

In my eyes it doesn't seem like there's much incentive to come over, but has he commented on it at all or is it known he wants to stay/go?

Also: how do you see him playing the NA game?
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There was an interview in Russian last year or the year before with him where they asked him about potentially playing with his friend Kucherov. I don't remember his exact words but i do remember him saying something along the lines of "Well he went to North America and did well...that's great for him". I got the vibe he didn't really want to come, but I could be wrong. I hope he does.
 
He's got his first big contract with SKA. I think he wanna finish it and then come to NA. As to his interview, well, he won't say anything, but words about respecting his contract, when he has to play another year in SKA, because otherwise would be unprofessional.
 
Kshahdoo said:
He's got his first big contract with SKA. I think he wanna finish it and then come to NA. As to his interview, well, he won't say anything, but words about respecting his contract, when he has to play another year in SKA, because otherwise would be unprofessional.
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he should consult with his teammate plotnikov about buying out his contract. that's one valid option. of course it's more than possible he'll end up losing a ton of money and won't make it in the nhl (like plotnikov). he should think about it too
 
Butchered said:
Caser, do you see Gusev wanting to come to NA?

Kucherov was dead set on being in the NHL and wanting to play in NA. Gusev is breaking out in the KHL and will probably get a big payday. Knowing Cooper, he's not going to give Gusev first line time out of the gate.

In my eyes it doesn't seem like there's much incentive to come over, but has he commented on it at all or is it known he wants to stay/go?

Also: how do you see him playing the NA game?
Click to expand...

About his willingness, obviously that if he achieves basically everything in KHL he will want to test himself in something new, although with the lack of agreement on NHLers going to the Olympics he might want to think twice.

About him being able to play NA game, he is fast, skilled and not weak despite being small - I mean, if guys like Gaudreau and Panarin can play NA game there is no reason why Gusev can't.

Btw, GWG from yesterday's game, Gusev basically made it all by himself:

 
He has been quiet about his future intentions. What we know is he is friends with Kucherov, he has been to a rookie camp a few years back. Nothing since. Its common for guys (like Kaprizov) to say they will try themselves in the NHL once their contact in the KHL is up, he has not made any reference to the NHL to my knowledge. Nothing from Tampa's administration either? One of the best guys available not in the NHL, lesser guys are getting offers so we know his phone is ringing, everyone around the situation has done a good job keeping it sealed.
 
malkinfan said:
He has been quiet about his future intentions. What we know is he is friends with Kucherov, he has been to a rookie camp a few years back. Nothing since. Its common for guys (like Kaprizov) to say they will try themselves in the NHL once their contact in the KHL is up, he has not made any reference to the NHL to my knowledge. Nothing from Tampa's administration either? One of the best guys available not in the NHL, lesser guys are getting offers so we know his phone is ringing, everyone around the situation has done a good job keeping it sealed.
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I'd be absolutely shocked if TB hasn't talked to Gusev and tried to get him to come over. He'd fill a nice hole with the likely departure of one of Palat/Johnson.
 
GoBoltz56 said:
Well yeah, he's attended prospect camp in Brandon a couple times already. But then he signed an extension in the KHL.
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I don't blame him for wanting an NHL contract, and until this year he hadn't shown enough in the KHL to be guaranteed one. I don't think the extension ends the discussion - it just changes the nature of it.
 
kp61c said:
he should consult with his teammate plotnikov about buying out his contract. that's one valid option. of course it's more than possible he'll end up losing a ton of money and won't make it in the nhl (like plotnikov). he should think about it too
Click to expand...

Feel good for Plotnikov.



Btw, Gusev finished the playoffs 7+16 in 18 games. Led SKA in points, 3rd overall.
 
I'd love to see what Gusev can do in the NHL, but wouldn't be shocked to see him, Dadonov and some other guys stay in Russia because of the Olympics. Without NHLers they will be leaders there.
 
The last time he talked about the NHL (and joining Kucherov in Tampa) was in November 2015:

– Just as any other young and promising player, probably you are thinking about playing in the NHL.
– Of course I have such plans. My best friend Nikita Kucherov, with whom I talk every day, wants me to join him overseas, but earlier I could not. He tells me that [in North America] there is a completely different environment and hockey also is not the same. But every player has his own goals and destiny. Nikita is doing great there, and I’m very happy for him.

– Don’t you envy him?
– No, I don’t, I hope that he can score and achieve even more. Basically, I try following each Russian player who plays in the NHL. It’s very interesting to follow how the different careers develop there. But more than everyone, of course, I follow Kucherov.

Full interview by Alessandro Seren Rosso.
 
Tampa can really extend their sincere gratitude to Bettman if Gusev decides to stay.
 
WC tune up game on right now, go over to see Kucherov, Gusev and Vasilevsky on the ice at the same time :amazed: :sarcasm: But really, Gusev is being tested on a line with Kucherov &Namestnikov, trolling TB scouts and fans hard.
 
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TB fans seeing more Gusev highlights:

giphy.gif
 
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