Two superstars will skip Team Russia due to contract situation.

The NHL Playoffs are now in the second round and many stars have been eliminated already. Some of them decided to join the national rosters for their respect teams in the World Championship that will be held in May. However, we just learned two key Russian players will miss out due to their respective contract situations. 

Nikita Zaitsev was hurt during the series against the Capitals and couldn't play even if he wanted to. However, his 925,000$, one year contract is now over with the Leafs and he will need to shop a new destination this summer. His injury would be enough to keep him away from the ice, but he would run the risk of aggravating his situation without a solid contract in hand. 

On the other hand, Alexander Radulov is perfectly healthy and chooses to remain this way as long as he hasn't signed a new deal. He joined the Habs for a one year, 5,750,000$ deal and he did an excellent job selling his attributes to the NHL teams looking. Since an injured player is not so attractive, Radulov will not risk an injury playing for the Russian national team, as it could have disastrous consequences for him. Radulov plays an intense style and injuries could happen at any moment for him.

Both players could have been game changers for the Russian crew. With Ovechkin and Malkin still in the Playoffs, many skilled players will be left out of the roster!