Ice hockey talent dumps U.S. for Russia

For decades, aspiring young Russian hockey players dreamed of playing in the NHL. However, over the last few years, more and more Russians are turning their backs on playing in North America.

Since 2006, more than 40 players have left the National Hockey League and returned to Russia.

Originally the NHL was not too worried, as major stars such as Pavel Datsuk and Ilya Kovalchuk were staying put. However, over the last few years, some of the better Russian players have started coming home.

Many Russian's are being tempted back with financial incentives. Other players simply want to play at home.

Unless a Russian player is an instant NHL star, there is a good chance he will decide to return to Russia before he gets a serious shot at playing regularly in the NHL.

With the exceptions of world class talent like Aleksandr Ovechkin or Evgeny Malkin, the majority of Russian's start out in the minor leagues, where they earn significantly less than they could in Russia, while the level of hockey is lower. Therefore it is not surprising that many return.

Perhaps one of the most important factors concerning Russians returning to their homeland to play is the strength of the league, which is only going to get better with the introduction of the new Continental Hockey League.