if i were russian, i'd rather play in russia. if i were a true hockey player, i'd rather play the best. only logical that russians arent hockey players. the russians that go back wont be playing the best anymore, if that doesnt bother them, good riddance.
money is equal, thanks to billionaires whose net worth far exceed the NHL's gross revenue for the past 15 years combined. that kind of investment you probably won't find anywhere else.
and russia isnt a shit hole to live in anymore.
let them buy back their stars.