Former NHLer's family reportedly convinced him to back out of very contract
The NHL isn't the only professional hockey league in the world where players can make a very healthy living. Many players with very little NHL experience have gone onto make very good money while playing in Europe.
According to a recent report, a Canadian player who had become a fan favourite in the Omsk of the KHL has decided to leave the team, leaving very good money on the table. Reports state that Knight's family pressured him to leave Russia to pursue other opportunities.
Knight, who grew up in British Columbia, Canada, has opted to cancel his deal with Omsk Avangard of the KHL. Knight has played the last three seasons in Omsk, and won a Gagarin Cup with the team while putting up great offensive numbers. Avangard's GM has since said Knight made the decision due to personal reasons.
"In the summer, Knight had a change in his personal life, he got married, and then before the start of training camp he notified us that he intends to terminate his contract unilaterally," are the words of Avangard general manager Anton Kuryanov that tear the heart of Omsk fans. - "We've had a series of talks with the player and his agent. We see no point in forcing anyone to play for Avangard, especially since the hockey player has repeatedly emphasized that his decision is final." - Championat.com
According to Championat, Kuryanov explained that Knight's wife objected to his playing in Russia due to her religious beliefs.
"Kuryanov especially emphasized that Corban's verdict was influenced by his wife. She strictly adheres to Christian values and works in the Canadian organization "Athletes in Action", assisting athletes in learning about religious issues. Her beliefs prevented her from traveling to Russia in the current time, and that was the deciding factor. His father Jack, a former pastor of a Baptist church, also had some influence on the hockey player." - - Championat.com
Knight's was set to make 55 million Rubles next season. At the time, it was worth close to $770,000 USD. This does not include the performance bonuses attached to this deal. There are already reports that Knight has interest from SC Bern, a team in Swtizerland's National League where players generally make between $100,000 and $300,000 USD per season.
| POLL | ||
Would you play in Russia at this time for $700K? | ||
| Yes, if the NHL wasn't an option | 16 | 25.4 % |
| No, I wouldn't | 32 | 50.8 % |
| It would depend on other options | 15 | 23.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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