Blackhawks prospects stuck in Russia following major sanctions

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Joshua Deeds
May 16, 2024 (5:51 PM)

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The IIHF has announced new sanctions against CSKA Moscow, the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, and Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ivan Fedotov.

With the new sanctions placed on both teams, and Fedotov this opens up a can of worms for other clubs with NHL prospects in Russia.

The new transfer rules have been able to be worked around in past scenarios, but with the development teams like the Blackhawks need to pay attention as the story develops.

With prospects such as Ilya Safonov and Roman Kantserov still in the KHL, with term left on both prospects contracts there will be complexities to work around.

Kantserov was named the KHL's Rookie of the Year, but unfortunately won't be NHL-ready for a few more years.

With the news traveling the wire of IIHF sanctions once again arising, this could be play a huge factor in the 2nd overall draft pick this season.

With the San Jose Sharks winning the Macklin Celebrini lottery, this leaves the Blackhawks with a multitude of choices at 2nd overall, with Ivan Demidov also being in play.

The choice could ultimately be between the defenseman Artyom Levshunov and the SKA 1946 forward, Demidov who is the consensus 2nd overall best pick. Will the Blackhawks go with the best player, or fill a need?

With Levshunov the Blackhawks have more control over the prospect as he could be brought into the NHL with quickness, while they'd have to be patient for Demidov to finish his KHL contract.

The IIHF ruling could set a bad precedent for KHL prospects and NHL clubs for years to come as a result.

With Chicago having to exercise their patience to bring over Kantserov and Safonov, they ideally don't have to settle for Demidov if they don't want to. This could absolutely affect Kyle Davidson's draft philosophy this season.

Source: Sports Mockery
New IIHF Sanctions On Russian Players Spells Trouble For Blackhawks Future Plans