Tragic news for Chicago Blackhawks forward Philipp Kurashev
Photo credit: Chicago Sun-Times
Blackhawks forward Philipp Kurashev won't have a chance to play with his homeland, Russia in the IIHF thanks to the organization's latest judgment.
Chicago Blackhawks Philipp Kurashev won't have a chance to play with his homeland, Russia in the IIHF tournament next season.
The IIHF has again decided to keep Russia, and Belarus out of the tournaments due to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
The decision was made due to security conditions that do not allow the countries to meet the requirements to hold games in either country.
"As the current security conditions do not allow the necessary requirements for the organization of tournaments guaranteeing the safety of all, the IIHF must maintain the current status quo until further notice," the IIHF said in a statement.
Despite Russia being ranked #2 in the world by the IIHF, just below Canada, Kurashev may never be able to wear a uniform that has the Russian crest on it.
Kurashev won't find much pride in a season that saw a significant decline in 2024-2025.
This season, in 36 games, he's scored only 8 points (4 G, 4 A) and may need a fresh start elsewhere.
It won't be suiting up for Team Russia, and he has recently been a healthy scratch for the Blackhawks.
His contract with the Blackhawks will expire at season's end and it's unclear if he will receive a qualifying offer.
If he doesn't end up receiving a QO from the Hawks, he could end up a free agent.
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