Two NHL teams have reportedly decided they will NOT select Russian players at NHL draft

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Ryan
May 31, 2022 (12:17)

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Since the invasion of Ukraine, there has been many people speculating on what is going to happen with Russian prospects, Russian NHL players and if they will be allowed in the league(s) going forward.

With the NHL entry draft coming up soon, it was recently announced that the NHL will still allow Russian prospects to be drafted at this years draft.

With that being said though, just because it's allowed, doesn't mean teams will. The top rated Russian prospect right now is Saginaw Spirit defenceman Pavel Mintyukov, who is at the moment is current ranked 6th in NHL central scouting among players skating in North America, and is projected to go around 13th overall.

It has been reported today that two teams have decided that they will not be taking Russian players at this years draft.

According to @sportexpress reporter Ivan Bogun, #GoHabsGo and #BringItToBroad have decided against picking Russian players in the #2022NHLdraft.� Russian Prospects (@RUSProspects) May 31, 2022

It is interesting that Montreal is taking this approach as last year they did the unthinkable drafting Logan Mailloux after he told teams not to draft him after he was charged for allegedly "taking and distributing an offensive photo without consent during a consensual sexual encounter."