Semyon Varlamov being traded to the Colorado Avalanche for a 2012 first-round pick and an additional second-round pick should mean the end of his flirtation with the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia. We don't know this for sure, but it would seem to be pretty stupid for Colorado to trade two draft picks for someone who will end up playing in Russia next season. (Then again, you could argue it was pretty stupid for the Avalanche to give up that much for Varlamov in the first place).
All this probably makes Varlamov's Russian agent Vyacheslav Makhrenskiy look a little silly. You may remember how Makhrenskly was trying to push his client to the KHL, setting off a bidding war between two Russian clubs in the process. Now that Varlamov is heading to Colorado instead, let's take a look back at why Russian agents probably shouldn't be trusted. (Worth noting: Varlamov also has a North American agent).
These are things Makhrenskly has said or noted through reporters about the process:
"It's clear why it was done. The Capitals were getting ready for the new negotiations. But they didn't expect that Semyon could pick Russia. Washington management thought that they were in charge of the situation. But it turned out not to be the case. (via Puck Daddy)
"Actually, there are problems with medical care in Washington. Doctors in Russia are better. It happened when the Capitals' doctor says 'Everything is alright, let him play.' Semyon feels that his knee is still hurting. But he goes out to play, and then he's injured again. And the injury is not that serious, but he couldn't play again." (via same link)
But Varlamov already decided to play in Russia next season. He wants to play for SKA. Lokomotiv Yaroslavl disagree. (via @plysenkov)
Well done, guys.