Just some other details to this. The Russian Super League that played prior to the new Continental Hockey League was already placed as the #2 pro league in the world by many. They have a shorter season with high salaries and in some cases can pay their players in tax free situations it will definately be something to consider. The contract offered to Malkin was worth $12.5 million tax free.
It isn't a gate driven league and so the crowd sizes aren't really a factor. Neither is the TV exposure. These owners are richer in many cases than many of the NHL ownership groups. Many teams are owned by large corporations and have used the Russian Super League as an inter-company competition. Think Ford vs. Dodge vs. Chevy not just on the race track but on the ice, basketball court and soccer field.
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