NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was asked between periods of the Toronto Maple Leafs-Tampa Bay Lightning game about Russian prospects in the upcoming draft.
Will they be drafted?
We condemned Russia immediately. We cut our business ties, which involved millions of dollars. I think it's good to remember that players play for NHL teams, they don't play for Russia," Bettman said.
"They are in a difficult situation, especially those who have family in Russia. It may be hard for a lot of people to understand, but it's a reality that you can't disassociate yourself from," the commissioner added.
Case closed.
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POLL
Should the NHL allow GMs to draft Russian players?
Yes
140
60.9 %
No
90
39.1 %
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