RUMOR: Two STAR players reportedly have ended contract negotiations with NHL teams.

It’s an NHL salary cap era and most of GM have to be creative to fit the most talented players possible without impacting the future of the organization. Trading is losing in popularity as teams are asking ridiculous price for their players. As a GM, you now have two options if you want to progress: Either you go by the draft or you try to sign KHL players who want to play in the NHL.

Earlier this season, Shuni Babaev, the agent for 24-year-old winger Maxim Shalunov told Scott Powers of the Athletic that his agent was almost certainly not signing with Chicago in the offseason. Things turned out differently as both praised KHL players Maxim Shalunov and Anton Burdaso have ended contract negotiations with the Chicago Blackhawks. Why?

“They were in talks with the NHL clubs about contracts for next season but the NHL decision (on Olympic participation) forced them both to stay in Russia,” Babayev said.

“They both want to play in the world’s strongest league. But for many Russians, the chance to play at the Olympics is their life’s dream.” He continued.