Rumor: Habs at risk of losing their top prospect?

It is fairly common to hear about a National Hockey League prospect who simply does not play well enough to earn himself a job in the National Hockey League, but it is rare to hear about one that is playing so well that he might be playing himself right out of an NHL job.

The star of defenseman Alexander Romanov has begun to shine very bright over in the Kontinental Hockey League and although that is wonderful news for fans of the Canadiens who are hopeful they will someday soon see him suiting up in a Habs uniform there are some concerns being raised regarding his status as well. You see Romanov has been turning heads over in Russia as well and due to the structure of the NHL and it's contracts some are wondering if that may not conflict with the young man's future plans.

If Romonaov where to come over to North America next season, as many have predicted he will, he would be forced to sign a standard NHL Entry Level Contract. It is a deal that prior to performance bonuses would pay him less than $1 million per season, a deal that many believe the team's over in the KHL could easily outbid in an effort to keep the Russian in Russia. TSN contributor  Andrew Zadarnowski recently openly wondered if the salary some KHL team's can offer would be enough to sway the young man from coming over and signing such an ELC.

"Have to wonder, if Romanov’s star continues to rise as it has, when his current KHL contract expires after next season, will he sign the 3-year NHL entry level contract that pays $925,000 per season plus performance bonus, or re-sign with CSKA for a dump truck full of Rubles," wrote Zadarnowski.

Of course even if he were to remain in Russia for the time being the Habs 2nd round draft pick in 2018 is still only 19 years old which means he has plenty of time to come over to North America in the future. That being said though you know the Habs want to mold his development so expect that they will make a full court press this year to ensure Romanov come to North America.

[pub]