Russian league not 'major' threat; agent says Malkin wants to stay

"Forget concerns. I wish they were around when I was playing," said Gretzky, coach and managing partner of the Phoenix Coyotes.

"My goodness, it's a big decision for (Malkin)," Gretzky said. "Financially, it's incredible. You get a chance to go back to your home country. On the other side of it, you get to play with one of the best players in the National Hockey League in Crosby. ... In some ways it's overwhelming, to be honest with you."

The NHL's exposure to Russian encroachment has been lessened over the past few years. NHL teams have shied away from drafting Russian-born players because of the lack of a transfer agreement. The lack of an agreement provides NHL teams little leverage in signing Russian prospects still playing in their native land, making it a significant risk to use a high draft pick on a player who might never compete in North America.

Nine Russian-born players were selected in this year's draft, two more than last year. That's a big drop-off from the 2000-03 draft classes, when 30 or more Russian players were selected each year.

Washington Capitals GM George McPhee said it's important to be certain a Russian player is committed to coming to North America before that player is drafted. It's a commitment the Capitals received before selecting right wing Dmitri Kugryshev in the second round this past weekend.

McPhee noted the presence of star Alex Ovechkin on his roster might provide the Capitals an edge with other Russians.

"There's some risk there. But we feel the risk is less with a player like Ovechkin," McPhee said. "They'd like to come play with him."