The Daily: Former Red Wings Goalie Dominik Hasek is Helping Keep Russians out of His Homeland

It’s an initiative initially launched by former Detroit Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek. Now it’s been picked up by the Czech government. As a result, it’s threatening to throw a monkey wrench into the NHL Global Series.

The NHL schedule in calling for the San Jose Sharks and Nasvhille Predators to open the season in the Czech Republic. They’ll be playing a pair of games October 7-8 at the O2 Arena in Prague. Writing to the leaders of the NHL, Hasek was requesting that Russian players with the two teams be forbidden from traveling to Czechia for the games due to the war in Ukraine.

Last week, Czech Foreign Ministry sent a letter to @NHL saying Czech Republic will not welcome Russian hockey players for October 7-8 NHL games in Prague because of Russia war crimes in Ukraine.

Czech ice-hockey legend @hasek_dominik is behind this campaign.

— Jakub Janda 楊雅嚳 (@_JakubJanda) September 20, 2022

The ruling Czech government picked up the ball from Hasek. They were announcing that it wouldn’t be issuing visas for entry to the country to any Russian players on either team. Sharks GM Mike Grier told Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now that if their Russians aren’t going, then the whole team will be staying home.

In actuality, the issue wouldn’t be impacting many players. San Jose is listing two Russians on the club’s training-camp roster – Alexander Barabanov and former Red Wings forward Evgeni Svechnikov. Nashville’s only Russian player is Yakov Trenin.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• He’s negotiating a new contract. However, captain Dylan Larkin can’t envision himself playing for any team but the Red Wings.
• Simon Edvinsson will be needing to earn his spot on the Detroit roster (+)
• Playoffs? No, Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman won’t go there
• Newcomer Andrew Copp was a surprise addition to the Red Wings injury list
• Who’s in the hunt for fourth-line spots for the Red Wings?

Hockey Now Network

Pittsburgh: Evgeni Malkin says he’ll be staying with the Penguins “forever.” Pittsburgh Penguins

Boston: Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is targeting a November return from a shoulder injury. Boston Bruins

Florida: Pressing questions as the Panthers open training camp. Florida Panthers

Washington: Center Nicklas Backstrom is optimistic that he’ll be returning to play following offseason back surgery. Washington Capitals

Philadelphia: The Flyers are confirming that defenseman Ryan Ellis (pelvic injury) will miss the entire 2022-23 NHL season. Philadelphia Flyers

Islanders: Entering the final year of his contract, Mathew Barzal insists that his heart remains on the Island. New York Islanders

[bet-promo id=”4002″ ]

Vegas: Firstly, Nolan Patrick is out for the season. Secondly, Mark Stone and Brendan Brisson were wearing non-contact jersey on the first day of training camp. Vegas Golden Knights

Colorado: Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is out with a lower body injury. He’s likely to be missing the start of the NHL regular season. Colorado Avalanche

Montreal: The Canadiens foresee Mike Matheson filling a big role on their defense. Montreal Canadiens

Vancouver: The Canucks are saying the another playoff absence this season would be disastrous. Vancouver Canucks

Calgary: He’s in camp on a PTO. Yet Sonny Milano found himself skating on the same line as prize UFA addition Nazem Kadri. Calgary Flames