Semyon Varlamov continues to make noise about possibly signing in the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia instead of re-signing with the Washington Capitals. Varlamov is a restricted free agent, and according to a previous report, he is set on leaving Washington to pursue a starting job elsewhere. Now, we have a little more of an idea over what his KHL offer is.
According to Dmitri Chesnokov of Yahoo! Sports' Puck Daddy, Varlamov is being offered $2 million a season to sign in the KHL. The situation is somewhat complicated because SKA Saint Petersburg has tried to lure Varlamov, but Lokomotiv Yaroslavl controls his KHL rights. This process has angered Lokomotiv. According to Chesnokov, Lokomotiv has no intentions of trading Varlamov's rights, and there's a bad history between the two teams. If Lokomotiv is bluffing, then Varlamov could sign with Lokomotiv, then be dealt to SKA and have him be offered more money
Regardless, this may give the Capitals a better chance of retaining Varlamov, especially if Lokomotiv is being serious with its demands. The team gave him a qualifying offer, and $2 million is probably not too much more than what the Capitals could offer to the restricted free agent. Is it worth it for Varlamov to spend a couple years away from the NHL and potentially damage NHL relationships over a small difference? We may soon find out.
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