UPDATE - 8:59AM, August 8, 2007: Coverage of the story can be found in today's Ottawa Citizen in Wayne Scanlan's column (the link may break in time since we're not paid subscribers), although at the moment the team still refuses to accept the truth, still listing him on their roster.
UPDATE - 10:43PM, August 26, 2007: Finally, the roster has been adjusted, and Oleg Saprykin is no longer in it.This is the article from Russian newspaper found here, translated.
Last night the attacking Oleg Saprykin, in the last season acted in NHL for "Phoenix" and "Ottawa", has signed the three-year contract from TsSKA, the general manager of soldiers Cyril Fastovsky has informed the correspondent "СЭ" to Vladimir ЮРИНУ. For four previous seasons Сапрыкин played Stanley's cup-finals twice: in 2004 it and "Calgary" have lost "Tampa", and this spring in structure of "Ottawa" - to "Anaheim". According to "СЭ", in Russia interest to this player except for TsSKA showed "Dynamo" and " Salavat Yulaev ".
Below is the translation of an interview that Saprykin and his father had with Soviet Sport. A brief summary of the interesting points:
- Saprykin was approached by the Sens, the Rangers, the Panthers and another club, with offers of 1 million and up.
- Saprykin chose to return to russia because the taxes here took over half his money, and because the teams here wouldn't trust him to play, giving him only 10 minutes a game or so. Despite having experience with the Western Conference Champion Calgary Flames when they lost the Cup to the Lightning, Saprykin didn't get much time playing in Ottawa's Cup run, and was bounced out for Eaves' return, despite working hard and scoring a momentum goal in a game.
- Saprykin doesn't like the lack of support for the sport in North America, citing games in Phoenix with only eight or nine thousand fans attending, whereas Russia has more fans with greater passion.
- Saprykin thinks animosity exists in Ottawa towards Russians, both because of the lack of a transfer agreement with them, and because of Yashin's holdout year and poor performance, although he cites Volchenkov as an exception to this.
- Blames his poor performance, 1-1--2 in 12 games, on his meager 4-5 minutes on the ice per game, and on Murray doubting his abilities, telling him to keep training without giving him real time and on-ice opportunities to show his skill.
- Despite the salary cap going up, that money is used for stars only, in deals averaging 7-8 million per player. 40% of Tampa's budget is tied up in 3 skaters. So for a man like Saprykin, he gets no ice time, never gets depended on, and earns little money. In Russia he will get more time, respect and money (and with lower taxes on that money).
- Finally, playing in Russia gives him the true honour and thrill of Russian fans, and of playing for Russia in the upcoming summit series rematch. Players such as Saprykin feel more tied to their country than their employer. This is seen, imho, in other players too. Take Lehtonen: against the Rangers in the first playoff round (who lost the next round), he was 0-2 with .849 save percentage and 5.59 goals against average, a drop from his 34-24-9 with .912 sv-% and 2.79 GAA in the regular season. Then he went to the IIHF World Championship, leading his team to silver with a 4-2 record and .913 sv-% and 1.93 GAA, just weeks after being dismal and getting pulled two games in. Players like that are ones the NHL should avoid. Nothing wrong with national pride, but when you don't care about your job to THAT extent, it really says something. (Makes me wonder if he did it on purpose, so that they could be out of the playoffs in time for him to get into the IIHF WC)
Anyways, the translated interview:
Yesterday the attacking Oleg Saprykin twice acted in cup-finals of Stanley, has signed the three-year contract from CSKA. Before this event with Oleg and his father Dmitry Saprykin, in the past the known goalkeeper of the Moscow soldiers and «Спартака», has met the correspondent of " the Soviet sports »
CALLED EVEN IN «РЕЙНДЖЕРС»
— You had offers from NHL?
Oleg: — Yes, and not the most bad. At me the annual contract on $1,1 million has ended And to me suggested to raise the salary more than twice. In total there would be $2-2,5 million a year. Four clubs of NHL applied for me. Called to "Florida", in «Рейнджерс», "Ottawa" wished to keep me, having made … But I have decided to pass the qualifying offer in TsSKA. Because it is tired that behind ocean trust me a little. I wish to act in a command where in me trust – in practice, instead of in words.
Dmitry: — I Recollect, how the son played "Seattle". It there used on a platform in all game situations, often let out in unequal structures that is very important for the forward. Well and now … I am am spoken by familiar experts: it is not understood, why Oleg hold on a bench. It достоин places in a basis! Probably, it occurs because of all this передряги …
— What mean?
Dmitry: — That Russia has refused to join the contract between NHL and ИИХФ. And now on a draft of ours it is much less and to skilled players not always trust.
Oleg: — in the Goal you hammer in the beginning of a match and then up to the middle of the third period you do not leave on an ice. Why? To understand difficultly. But in NHL it is accepted to look not at how the forward and what the contract at it plays. If it earns $4 million will act in the first part. And at whom the contract on $1 million, – in the third or in a stock will sit.
Dmitry: — By the way, therefore people in Phoenix not so willingly goes on hockey – only 8-9 thousand spectators for a match gather. Fans do not like injustice in relation to some hockey players, and they publicly speak about it. Esteem forums on the Internet. How it is possible to infect people with hockey if for last five years the command was replaced almost completely? Only Шейн Доан has remained. Exchanges in "Phoenix" go constantly. And the command seven years cannot already get in плей-офф.
Oleg: — the Same Даниель Брир fine played for «Койотов». But it have exposed on the market of agents. And then it became the captain in "Buffalo", one of these days has signed the huge contract with "Philadelphia" ($52 million for 8 years).
ON ГРЕТЦКИ PRESSED
—Surprisingly, in fact Oleg has come to "Phoenix" with reputation of the player which acted in Stanley's cup-final! It would Seem, to it should trust.
Dmitry: — But have staked on "old men" — Реника, Джовановски, Нолана and others with whom have signed greater contracts. And to the son on the average gave for 12 minutes for a match. And thus it has managed to type 34 (14 20) spots, to break personal records, to become the third in club on productivity, to have the best parameter of utility (8). And to enter into the six in league on a parity of glasses by game time.
Oleg: — I tried to talk to the trainer of "Phoenix" Wayne Grettski why to me so concern. Wayne only clapped me on a shoulder: « All о’кей, the guy ». But a little that varied.
— It is fair, what "Phoenix" name command Гретцки and its friends? In this organization the rate do only on those who is approached to Wayne?
Dmitry: — the situation Now varies. For example, in April in resignation the general manager «Койотов» Mike Barnett who worked as agent Grettski earlier has been sent, – it was replaced by Don Мэлони.
Oleg: — Friends – all right if only the command played. But it did not occur. Also it was not clear, what for Гретцки it was necessary so often to let out on an ice of people which simply do not wish to work. Or here "Phoenix" has won seven matches successively. Victorious structure do not change are a law in NHL. In my three played Ларак and Зигоманис, we liked fans who named us Wizards. But we leave on the eighth match, and at all of us parts are reshuffled. Where logic?
— Perhaps, Гретцки simply slight couch? Not always in fact from a star-player the star instructor turns out.
Oleg: — it seems to Me, on Wayne pressed from above and impeded it to reveal as the instructor.
— Who? It seemed to me, that Гретцки – the most important authority on "Phoenix": both the couch, and the co-owner of club.
Oleg: — But the command belongs not only to it to one. There are people, to whose opinion Гретцки is compelled to listen.
Dmitry: — to Me liked Рик Токкет which worked as the trainer of "Phoenix" (after the big scandal connected with a underground tote assistant Grettski has left the post. — a comment ред.). Rigid, but the fair instructor. Without it «Койоты» have started to lose much. Probably, it still will return to club if the league will give OK.
Oleg: — the Important role at «Койотов» assistant Grettski – played Barry Smith. Actually it operated a command, and Wayne was its person. Smith worked in "Detroit", in "Phoenix" … But it is very arrogant person. I think, it has accepted offer СКА because it is excellent chance to work on the first roles, independently. By the way, Barry called to me recently, invited in the club. But I have already asked a to speak to the Moscow soldiers.
INSTALLATION FROM МЮРРЕЯ
— You were the unique Russian whom have exchanged on the eve of дэдлайна – last day a season when in league transitions are resolved. Recollect that situation.
Oleg: – I guessed, that me will exchange. For two-rub weeks up to дедлайна at me conversation with Барнеттом took place. It has told, that "Phoenix" wishes to prolong with me the contract for three years. Also has suggested to raise to me the salary on … 10 percent (that is, $1,21 million is that in arbitration court Saprykinu for certain there would be присуждена a salary from $1,7 up to $2,5 million – the Comment ред.). I went the third in a command on glasses. And certainly, has told, that I shall not play for such money. Exchange me in other club is better.
For me applied four commands. It is interesting, that one of them has won Stanley's Cup – I speak about "Anaheim". And another played the ending – "Ottawa". In it I also have appeared. Could not choose, it did not depend on me. Next morning, when "Phoenix" has flown to Edmonton, to me has approached Гретцки. Has thanked for work and Wayne – the normal muzhik has informed on an exchange … In general. Has humanly said goodbye. Has told at last: « Who knows, can, still we shall meet » and has wished good luck in "Ottawa".
— And you have departed to Phoenix behind things?
Oleg: — Is not present, at once has gone to Ottawa on a match. Things to me have then brought. There was at me with itself only a hockey form and 12 sticks.
— Here so from club-outsider you send to favorites …
Oleg: — Generally "Ottawa" has given out the dreadful start, the first 15 matches losing all successively. There in general all staff to dismiss wanted. But then "Senators" were tightened, and to my arrival went already the fourth in East conference.
For what role me took to "Ottawa"? For secure if someone from forwards of a basis will get out of order. On an ice I left at all for 4—5 minutes. From here such low statistics – 2 (1 1) spots in 12 matches регулярки … Once hardly has not scored a goal, and me have there and then set in a deep stock. The rights to a mistake at me were not. It is indicative, that when I only have come to a command, main couch Bryan Mjurrej at all with me did not speak. Only: « Give, go on training », here and all installation.
Dmitry: — But Мюррей has answered a question of the journalist when it have asked as "Ottawa" could reach the ending плей-офф: « It means, that I am able to train! ». Compare to the answer of the trainer of "Anaheim" Рэнди of the Carlisle which has told in a similar situation: « It because we – one command ». A trifle like, but after it judge unity of collective. I already then have understood, that it will be very complex to "Ottawa" to win Stanley's Cup.
— A notorious phrase – the person with cup experience. In what it is expressed?
Oleg: — In moral qualities. It means, that you will not twitch in плей-офф when on all the mad responsibility lays. You already passed all this and should make the work correctly and precisely. Without nerves.
— I before interview have once again seen your goal in a gate "Buffalo" — a victorious washer of "Ottawa" in the first match of a semifinal. But and has not understood, how you have managed to change goalkeeper Miller.
Oleg: — All has turned out very quickly. There was a lumbago, I have gone on a gate. Behind there was a player "Buffalo", in front – other plus the goalkeeper. I have extended a stick and one contact have forwarded a washer to a gate.
— And then?
Oleg: — it has again appeared on a bench. And even has passed last match of a semifinal. When all command was pleased to the Cup of East conference, I have left on a platform in a suit. Instead of me Patrick Eaves who only has recovered from a brain concussion acted, and it was not clear at all as it will play.
IN "OTTAWA" DO NOT LOVE RUSSIAN
— Why all so occured?
Oleg: — the Main reason was covered that between the general manager of "Ottawa" John Muckler and Bryan Murray there was a hostility about which knew all in club. I was invited in a command by the Broker. And Мюррей concerned to me so as if wished to show the managing director: « You type those players who is not necessary to me ». I think, they before an exchange at all did not have a general conversation on me. So I have appeared between two fires. Was very malicious because of this foolish situation. Even has quarrelled with the third couch of "Ottawa". Has promised, that if me and will stock further, I shall leave on the world championship for Moscow.
Oleg: — I discussed this version. But, alas, has learned, that me up to the world championship simply would not admit ИИХФ which is connected by the contract with NHL.
In general I had an impression, that in "Ottawa" do not love Russian. Probably, bias has arisen after « Yashin's business » (the forward has passed the whole season because of contract strike. — a comment ред.). Here Alexey Kaigorodov whom invited to a role центрфорварда the second part, – it was normally looked in a command, but to play to it did not give, and it has returned in "Metallurgist". There were problems even at Anton Volchenkova (The defender declared in interview to " the Soviet sports », that for it prepared for an exchange. — a comment ред.). But then it has started to play so fine, that if it has appeared in a stock, in Ottawa revolution of fans, probably, would begin.
Dmitry: — the Interesting history was in Stanley's cup-final. As the adviser of operating "Anaheim" works Эл Коутс – it eight years ago served in "Calgary" and chose Oleg on a draft. They are well familiar. And разговорились before the first match of the ending in which the son did not play. Мюррей it увидал also has then flown up to Oleg: « That it to you has told?! ». Has shown vigilance. After "Ottawa" has reached the ending, the Broker … have sent in resignation. In Canada there was a big scandal. To John have offered a post in club, but it has been offended and has refused.
Oleg: — it is curious, that one day prior to the resignation the Broker offered me the new contract with "Senators". But it has not arranged me. I in general have told, that for any money in "Ottawa" any more I shall not remain.
Dmitry: — Then instead of the Broker the general manager had been appointed Bryan Murray. Agent Oleg has told to it, that Сапрыкин all the same will leave. And they have agreed, that the son becomes beyond all bounds the free agent. However, Мюррей has put a condition, that officially it happens on July, 15th.
Oleg: — Yes, in two weeks after the market has opened and commands have begun a complete set. If have given vent earlier, to me would act much more offers. But the main thing that I any more did not have a confidence that the same history again will not repeat – I shall get in a new command in NHL, and to me again will not trust. And I wish to play!
Dmitry: — it is important to find the trainer. For example, it is pleasant to me, as Mike Bebkok from "Detroit" works. Or in "Calgary" of times of a campaign behind Stanley's Cup to play to Oleg it was good. So all is far not commands in NHL bad. Here as will carry – where you will get …
Oleg: — I have signed the contract from TsSKA under the scheme «1 1 1». That is through one season it can be will terminate one of the parties, and can be prolonged. Yes, me very much wished to detain in NHL, solidly having raised the salary. Thanks all managing directors of clubs who has shown to me interest. But I have decided to play TsSKA.
VIRTUAL MONEY
— It is considered to be, that NHL – the best hockey league in the world. But at it you see what minuses?
Oleg: — I do not like confusion which now occurs in trade union of players. After hockey players have lost in dispute because of which there was a lock-out, chairman of trade union for Bean Гуденау has left the post. At it our organization was strong, and now – is not present.
Dmitry: — I see a problem in what personnel selection is conducted by clubs. In each command there are stars, but under them in the third-fourth parts have started to drag бездарщину. And if earlier NHL had an income now staginess of hockey falls, so, earnings decrease.
— But in fact the league has raised a ceiling of salaries up to $50,3 million It means, that incomes of clubs grow.
Oleg: — And hockey players lose money … Under the new collective agreement players should give on 10 % from the salaries to safety fund. If the league will incur losses, this money will take away. As I know, for the last season at us will subtract 3 %. Still consider taxes – in Canada from me took away 51 % from the salary. So virtually you receive $1,1 million a year, and is real – 46 % from this sum.
No, now the superleague makes a real competition of NHL. Therefore to Russia come back Frosts, Твердовский, now here Yashin – here it is possible to play the hockey for normal money.
And at me the purpose is – to act in modular Russia in the world championship in Canada. Business not that I or the same Yashin need for something to prove to Canadians. Absolutely is not present. But to win gold on the native land of hockey, our first gold for 15 years – here it will be healthy!
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