Russian Leage and NHL Call Truce

Even if the NHL cannot get an agreement with the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, at least today they can breathe a sigh of relief that the recently talked about Russian Super League will not tamper with players under outstanding NHL contracts.

[Bill] Daly said the NHL and KHL established a mutual understanding since meeting at the IIHF world championships in Canada in May.

The wheels turn slow, I guess, when contract talks are getting ironed out in the hockey world.

Now that an agreement between these new rivals are being solidified, both sides representing here offered up the diplomatic soundbites and pull-out quotes.

"There is no sense to make a war," IIHF president Rene Fasel said. "Everyone agrees we could make a war very easily, but with no winner. The loser will be the game.

That last sentence stands out to me. NHLPA, are you taking notes? This agreement was made on the betterment of the game. They sound like they want to put the game first.

"Even if we don't have a transfer agreement today we have a very good understanding of each other."

Sounds like something to work on, but I am also typing with my fingers crossed that not too much time elapses between here and a new IIHF agreement.

The group will also look at plans to globalize the game, including holding a World Cup in 2012.

Woo! This is going to be interesting. Will it be a return of the 8 team tournament that was held back in 2004? Will the "big glass vase" get dusted off of Team Canada's trophy case and defended once again?

[Via: TSN.ca]