CHL to announce ban on Russian and Belarusian players in upcoming draft

According to NHL player agent Dan Milstein, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CHL) is set to announce that no Russian or Belarusian players will be allowed to be selected in the three leagues import drafts.

The drafts, which take place for all three leagues in the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, take place annually in either June or July. It is created specifically to attract European players to the Canadian markets, as the three leagues are great for development, proven by the thousands of NHLers they have produced over the years.

The draft, which began back in 1992, has seen 421 Russians selected, with 89 going on to play in the NHL. Additionally, 79 Belorussians have been selected, with six moving on to the NHL. Milstein made it clear he is not a fan of this move, which is set to punish Vladimir Putin and Russia itself for their invasion of Ukraine, as he believes it is punishing young kids for something they have no control over.

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Jack Sutherland Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Jack Sutherland Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Jack Sutherland David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES