Three Russian hockey players were selected for the NHL clubs at once, despite concerns about the war in Ukraine and the detention of Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ivan Fedotov in Russia. This decision was made during the first round of the National Hockey League Junior Draft in Montreal on the night of July 7-8.
The best among the Russians was guard Pavel Mintyukov, selected by the Anaheim Ducks at number 10.
“His talent is undeniable. And we are looking for the best hockey players. We want our franchise to move in the right direction towards winning the Stanley Cup, and we think this player will really help us along the way, ”said club general manager Pat Verbeek.
Under the 20th number, the Washington Capitals chose forward Ivan Miroshnichenko, despite the risks associated with the health of the hockey player. The Omsk Avangard forward was forced to interrupt the season in Russia after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in March. However, the athlete was successfully treated, and he was allowed to resume the game. Capitals general manager Brian McLellan said they were "quite calm" in choosing Miroshnichenko after reviewing his medical record.
“Our guys thought the reward was worth the risk. He's a really good player," McLellan added.
The third Russian, selected in the first round of the draft, was Metallurg Magnitogorsk striker Danila Yurov. Under the 24th number, the hockey player went to the Minnesota Wild. The American club for the first time in its history chose a Russian player in the first round. At the same time, Yurov's contract with Metallurg should last until the end of the 2022/2023 season.
Earlier, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly expressed doubt that league clubs would choose Russian hockey players in the first round of the NHL Draft. The risks were travel restrictions to Russia and Belarus and the absence of a transfer agreement between the NHL and Russia allowing the first hockey league to buy out KHL contracts. The situation also became more complicated after Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ivan Fedotov was detained in St. Petersburg on July 1 for evading the army and sent to military service in Severodvinsk. On May 7, the 25-year-old hockey player signed a contract with the NHL club.