Hockey agent Shumi Babaev expressed confidence that NHL clubs will select five Russian players in the first round of the next draft.
The ceremony will take place on June 28 and 29 in Paradise (USA).
— In your opinion, how many Russian players will be selected in this draft?
— I expect about five Russians in the first round.
— Is it such a strong generation?
“Year after year, we have a lot of strong guys, and we always rank among the best in terms of talent. But if our training improves and children under 11 have the opportunity to enjoy hockey and not work on the ice, we will raise even more children. And we won’t lose entire generations.
— Now the “Russian factor” in the draft no longer interferes with the choice of our players?
— There has never been a “Russian factor”. The NHL is a business league, so there is no such thing. If they see a strong player, they will take him and not be interested in political or other situations. Yes, they call the players there, find out about their parents, what they breathe and how they live. If all the parameters – high sporting and human qualities – converge, then they will choose him and not look at any other points,” Babaev said, as quoted by RB Sport.
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I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
