“Respect the process” – NHL commissioner Gary Bettman urges players in Russia to make best decision accordingly

“Respect the process” – NHL commissioner Gary Bettman urges players in Russia to make best decision accordingly

Gary Bettman

On Thursday NHL commissioner Gary Bettman appealed to players who are currently in Russia to make, “the best possible decisions for themselves and their families” when it comes to returning to North America for next season.” He further continued, “It’s probably not a good idea for us or the clubs to get involved in the politics of what’s going on in Russia”. “I don’t want to say anything that could be misconstrued or cause the inflammation of a sensitive situation.

There have been some growing concerns related to the status of a few Russian NHL players for next season. The previous week Philadelphia Flyers goaltending prospect Ivan Fedotov was picked up by law enforcement on suspicion of evading military service. Later his agent told that Fedotov has been transferred to a secluded military base in Russia. Also, Minnesota Wild’s star Kirill Kaprizov was wanted by the police in charge of fraudulent military IDs.

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Gary Bettman tells players in Russia to trust the process

Gary Bettman
Gary Bettman

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin said, “All I’m trying to do is get information and not jump the gun or push the panic button on anything”. Gary Bettman said, he is also trying to get as much information possible in these current situations, as noted on espn.in. He said, “We probably don’t have the full story as to what is going on in terms of what each player’s relationship is in Russia with respect to the government. We’re going to have to respect the process as to what goes on”.

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The league is conducting its own investigations because some of the players on the World Junior team are now in the NHL. Bettman noted that NHL is working with the player’s union to make sure there’s full cooperation on each side. Though he didn’t note whether there will be supplemental discipline for NHL players who don’t cooperate. He said, “Let’s cross the bridge if we have to”. He said that the NHL had a desire to get a full picture of what happened, “Of course there is. This is unacceptable”.

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