Forward Vladimir Krutov played just one season with the Vancouver Canucks, registering 11 goals and 23 assists in 61 games. Internationally, he dominated opposing players, playing against the United States in the 1980 Winter Olympics, but cited homesickness and weight problems for his lackluster NHL performance. He returned to the KHL after just one season abroad
The Columbus Blue Jackets fourth overall pick in 2003, Nikolay Zherdev alternated between the KHL and NHL for much of his career. In 2011, after a brief stint with the Philadelphia Flyers, Zherdev returned to the KHL for good. Throughout his six-season NHL career, Zherdev registered 261 points in 421 games.
Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 1997, Maxim Afinogenov played nine seasons with the Sabres and one season with the Atlanta Thrashers. In his final season in the NHL, Afinogenov notched 24 goals and 37 assists, without missing a single game. Despite his success, he signed a five-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg in 2010
Alexander Radulov signed a three-year contract with the Nasvhille Predators in 2006, tallying 44 goals in his first two seasons alone. With one year remaining on his contract, Radulov signed a contract with the KHL. Despite condemnation from the Predators, Radulov played a three-year stint in the KHL, before returning to the NHL in 2012 for the Predators playoff run. The Predators lost in the second round to the Phoenix Coyotes. His contract was not renewed, and Radulov returned to the KHL. He currently stands as the KHL's all-time leading scorer with 322 points in 258 games.
Kovalchuk was drafted first overall in the 2001 NHL draft by the Atlanta Thrashers. After eight seasons, he was traded to the New Jersey Devils, inking a massive 15-year, $100-million contract. On July 11, 2013, after three years with the Devils, Kovalchuk retired at the age of 30, returning home to Russia to play in the KHL. Kovalchuk tallied 816 points in 816 games, averaging exactly one point-per-game during his NHL career. He ranks fifth all-time in points amongst Russian NHL players.
Get our content customized for you directly to your inbox!
