Per the Associated Press, the Czech foreign ministry has informed the NHL that Russian skaters will not be permitted to enter Czechia due to the continuing war in Ukraine.
The Preds and Sharks are set to begin their 2022-23 season in Prague on October 7 and 8. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly has stated that he sees no issues with the players being able to participate, but nothing has been presented to substantiate this. The Preds have one Russian skater, Yakov Trenin, on the active roster (others could be in the mix as well) while the Sharks have two, Alexander Barbanov and Evgeny Svechnikov.
As for me, I believe they should be able to play and represent their respective teams. I do not support punishing individuals for actions that were out of their control merely due to the place of their birth or where they call home. But we shall see what may come of this and if other teams are impacted going forward.
On a positive note, training camp is underway with hockey season quickly approaching. Going to be a fun year of hockey!
Nashville Predators Blogger • 
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