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February 28, 2022

With the world following along with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the hockey world has not been immune to the discussion, and Russian athletes have faced backlash.

Today, the IIHF announced sanctions on Russia and Belarus.

In the KHL, two teams (Dinamo Riga and Jokerit) announced withdrawals from the KHL, and attention has increased on Russian players in the NHL.

Unfortunately, some of the attention has taken a turn for the worse as players in North America have seen death threats and anger directed towards them and their families. With that, there has been a call for more protection for those Russians in the league as animosity continues to build.

Ukrainian-born NHL player agent Dan Milstein represents many Russians signed to NHL contracts, including Nikita Zadorov.

Zadorov took to Instagram recently to speak out against the war.

Milstein represents some of the biggest names in the NHL, including Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Ilya Sorokin. He also represents five members of the San Jose Sharks organization, and of them, four are Russian natives. Hopefully, Alexander Barabanov, Alexei Melnichuk, Artemi Kniazev, and Nikolai Knyzhov will not experience the same negativity, though support for Ukraine is strong in San Jose.

Ukrainian Flags Fly in Protest at Sharks Game

There has been a marked increase in hostility toward Russian NHL’ers since Putin’s incursion, even in public forums, such as this take from Hall of Fame goaltender Dominik Hasek:

Other proposed options carry more of a future impact, such as the one put forth by Canadian Olympian Bruce Kidd:

For what it’s worth, I believe we have to be careful going too far the other way, like Hasek has, or like those who are threatening Milstein’s clients and other Russian NHL’ers.

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

Ryan Merkley & the Delicate Balance

Ferraro Out 6-8 Weeks, Karlsson Could Be Back Mar. 5

Mailbag: What’s Sharks’ Plan If They’re Not Rebuilding? Trade Vlasic for Price? Deal Burns at Draft?

Reimer Has Seen Workloads Like This Before — And Thrived

What Does a Win Feel Like?

The Sharks Aren’t Rebuilding

IN OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

Takeaways from a split weekend for the San Jose Sharks. (The Hockey Writers)

Sharks continue to struggle as the trade deadline looms. (The Mercury News)

Evander Kane describes his professional prospects after this season as “uncertain” and his grievance against the San Jose Sharks as “unclear” in a court filing. (The Athletic)

Top 25 Sharks players under 25 – Scott Reedy (Fear the Fin)

Top 25 Sharks players under 25 – Artemi Kniazev (Fear the Fin)

AROUND THE NHL…

The Tampa Bay Lightning win a hard-fought Stadium Series game against the Nashville Predators. (The Tennessean)

Unfortunate COVID situations for some are providing incredible opportunities for others. (ESPN)

Jordan Greenway and Mike Grier honored by Boston University. (NHL)

The PHF’s Metropolitan Riveters debuted a new jersey. (The Hockey News)

With the trade deadline soon, who is available from the Pittsburgh Penguins?

NHL Trade Deadline; Teams Scouting the Penguins, Who’s Available?

Swayman is making his case to be the starting goaltender for the Boston Bruins:

https://bostonhockeynow.com/2022/02/28/swayman-stepping-up-to-no-1-goalie-spot-for-boston-bruins/

Colorado Avalanche‘s Nathan MacKinnon not punished for linesman slashing incident:

https://coloradohockeynow.com/2022/02/22/nathan-mackinnon-slashing-nhl-statement-linesman/

Florida Panthers sign Finnish defenseman Petteri Lindbohm:

Florida Panthers sign defenseman Petteri Lindbohm from Finland

What has Brock Nelson’s impact been for the New York Islanders?

https://nyihockeynow.com/new-york-islanders-brock-nelson-barry-trotz-anthony-beauvillier-josh-bailey/

William Karlsson is not performing as well as the Vegas Golden Knights need:

https://vegashockeynow.com/2022/02/28/the-vegas-golden-knights-need-more-out-of-william-karlsson/

Philadelphia Flyers hope to rebuild Morgan Frost’s game:

https://phillyhockeynow.com/2022/02/28/philadelphia-flyers-lehigh-valley-phantoms-morgan-frost-derick-brassard-kevin-hayes-nate-thompson-edmonton-oilers/

Vitek Vanecek returns for the Washington Capitals:

https://washingtonhockeynow.com/washington-capitals-vitek-vanecek-injury-recovery-reflect/

The Detroit Red Wings took the first step towards inclusivity:

https://detroithockeynow.com/2022/02/28/red-wings-were-first-nhl-team-sign-black-player/

Vancouver Canucks remain coy regarding upcoming trade deadline moves

https://vancouverhockeynow.com/2022/02/24/vancouver-canucks-nhl-pacific-division-trade-bruce-boudreau-brock-boeser-jt-miller-hockey/

Tyler Toffoli acquisition working well for the Calgary Flames:

https://calgaryhockeynow.com/calgary-flames-tyler-toffoli-nhl-trade-montreal-canadiens-goal-scoring/

Carey Price’s return for the Montreal Canadiens delayed another week:

Habs Injury Report: Price Off The Ice Another Week, Injury Updates