Some Russian NHLers seeking asylum/permanent residency in Canada and the US

According to a report by TSN's Rick Westhead, some NHLers have decided to check into seeking asylum and/or permanent residency in Canada and in the United States. The reason is there's concern that governments in both countries may slow or stop issuing new work permits and travel visas to Russian athletes.

"My teams are scared," said Joe Kirkwood, an immigration lawyer who works with more than 25 NHL and AHL teams. "They are concerned that Russian players in their systems may be required to leave, or that their visas may not get renewed. The worry is about sanctions. The U.S. and Canada are adding new sanctions almost every day and it's impossible to say what that will mean for the granting of new visas for foreign workers."

"I don't expect that the U.S. government would revoke the visas for [Russian pro hockey players] who already are here, but there's a very real and valid concern about what might happen with new visas moving forward."

Another immigration lawyer, Thomas Arkell of Illinois, told Westhead he's also been contacted by some NHL players and player agents worried about the fallout of what's happening in Ukraine.

"I have had numerous inquiries lately from agents and individuals regarding options for permanent residence in the United States," he said.

Ukraine's embassy in Ottawa has requested that Canada not issue new work permits and travel visas for Russian athletes. A government official told Westhead that Canada was considering this request.

According to Kirkwood, there's also an issue with foreign players applying for permanent residency in the United States, and then getting traded to a team in Canada. According to him, the application could fall apart at that point.

"If a guy applies and is traded to a Canadian team that can put the brakes on it. If he moves to a Canadian team and there is no longer a 'U.S. job offer' they cannot continue with the application. Continuing to reside in the U.S. doesn't save this"

There is certainly a lot for Russian players to consider as the invasion of Ukraine continues.

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