There’s no question that the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) has benefited from the NHL lockout. They’ve had homegrown stars return to their roots increasing fan interest. A look at the top scorers in the league and you’ll see familiar faces near the top.

That includes rating NHL MVP Evgeni Malkin, whose 65 points (23-42-65) place second behind Metallurg Magnitogorsk teammate Sergei Mozyakin, who paces the KHL with 70 (31-39-70). Third is former Predator Alexander Radulov (19-31-50) with Devil Ilya Kovalchuk (18-23-41) and Capital Alexander Ovechkin (19-21-40) rounding out the top five. Pavel Datsyuk isn’t far behind with 36 (11-25-36) including a Datsyukian shootout winner in possibly his final game with CSKA Moscow. Ridiculous.

Naturally, the KHL would love to keep some of the remarkable talent. Something perturbed Devil blogger Hasan noted in a reply to the Kovalchuk news. Reliable TG Fire and Ice Devils beat writer Tom Gulitti reported on that possibility in a strong piece featuring remarks from KHL President Alexander Medvedev, who happens to double as Team President of SKA St. Petersburg where Kovalchuk’s played.

“(The) new CBA may be (a) basis for terminating existing contracts, some players will stay,” Medvedev said in the interview with Slava Malamud of Russia’s SportsDaily. He took it even further, supporting Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin, who told reporters Russia would assist players who preferred to stay in the KHL.

“During the lockout, the contracts were broken, and new conditions may not match the old. In such a situation, there is a legal opinion that the player can make their own decision: accept his new contract terms or to exercise the right to play another hockey in another league. Maybe, legally, it is not that simple.”

If they fight on the grounds of contracts not being valid due to the upcoming ratification of a new CBA that’ll institute a limit on long-term deals, it’s interesting. However, they’d be violating the agreement with the NHL to release players under existing contracts once the lockout concluded. Training camps are rumored to be opening Sunday, which ironically is the same day as the Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game. A special event Kovalchuk indicated an interest in.

I could see why and am not opposed to that as long as they report to their NHL clubs Monday. But teams don’t want any player participating, causing a rift between the leagues. No wonder there are rumors of the KHL trying to bribe players to stay.

Devils President and GM Lou Lamoriello remained calm, supporting Kovalchuk taking part in SKA’s 3-1 loss yesterday to AK Bars Kazan. He views it as a chance for his top finisher to keep in shape until camp opens. I can’t disagree. Though you wonder where Kovalchuk’s heart is. He can potentially earn more money in Russia as can Datsyuk, who also hasn’t returned yet. It should be noted that Ovechkin already flew back to Washington, ready to lead the Caps.

It helps that it doesn’t involve a player from my team. So, I can view it differently than say Hasan or a Detroit fan. Let’s wait to see what happens once the new bargaining agreement is ratified, which should be done by the weekend.