SJHN Daily: Russian NHL’ers Facing Death Threats Because of Putin’s Invasion

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.

The IIHF Council has suspended all Russian and Belarusian national and club teams from IIHF competitions until further notice and withdrew the hosting rights of the 2023 #WorldJuniors from Russia.

READ MORE: https://t.co/SpSMGTlZw1#hockey #icehockey #Ukraine #Russia #Belarus pic.twitter.com/YYb1JduvWE

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) February 28, 2022

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.

Some teams are upping their security because of this. Heard last night some Russian players have received serious death threats via DMs. https://t.co/McLMTgVQOl

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 28, 2022

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:

The NHL must immediately suspend contracts for all Russian players! Every athlete represents not only himself and his club, but also his country and its values and actions. That is a fact. If the NHL does not do so, it has indirect co-responsibility for the dead in Ukraine.

— Dominik Hasek (@hasek_dominik) February 26, 2022

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

Being blacklisted from international sports helped pressure South Africa to abandon apartheid.
Former Canadian Olympian says the same tactic should be used on Russia and that Canada should refuse to grant new work permits/visas for Russian NHL and junior hockey players alike. https://t.co/AgXcQOUdFG

— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) February 26, 2022

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.

Statement from the National Hockey League: https://t.co/r4jOj5uCrw pic.twitter.com/TPh84ntbDm

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 28, 2022

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)

We had a great time at the Black History Night Block Party before puck drop! Thanks to all the groups and #SJSharks fans for coming out. pic.twitter.com/5KdKC0vbaS

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) February 27, 2022

AROUND THE NHL…

This season on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: pic.twitter.com/3G3fqo9thf

— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) February 27, 2022

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:

Swayman Stepping Up To No. 1 Goalie Spot For Boston Bruins

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

NHL statement on Nathan MacKinnon slashing incident involving 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?

The Impact of Brock Nelson’s Scoring and Absence This Season

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

The Vegas Golden Knights Need More Out of William Karlsson

Philadelphia Flyers hope to rebuild Morgan Frost’s game:

Flyers send Morgan Frost to Phantoms, hoping he can ‘dominate’ and rebuild his game

Vitek Vanecek returns for the Washington Capitals:

Vanecek Discusses Injury, Recovery & Getting Back Into Rhythm With Capitals

The Detroit Red Wings took the first step towards inclusivity:

Red Wings Were First NHL Team To Sign Black Player

Vancouver Canucks remain coy regarding upcoming trade deadline moves

Canucks Again Debunk the NHL Trade Talk

Tyler Toffoli acquisition working well for the Calgary Flames:

Toffoli trade paying early dividends for Flames

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

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

Four points in four games for Alexander Barabanov 😤 pic.twitter.com/eg0R6XFl33

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 3, 2021