Deep in the heart of Caledon, just before the start of the 2009-2010 season, the Montreal Canadiens are going through their practice drills and various buddy-buddy exercises. One of the postulants, Sergei Kostitsyn, is missing. Somewhere between town and country, Sergei expresses his regret to leave the city, for the city is alive with the sound of music. He returns to the ranch in Caledon only to find the gate locked. The next day, the Head Coach and his assistants consider what to do about him. Sergei explains that he was raised in the city with a stick in his hand and a good player ready to convert his feeds, but apologizes for wandering the road without permission. Head Coach joins him in song, letting him know a few of his favourite things, but later he tells Sergei that he should perhaps spend some time in Steel Town to help him decide whether he is ready for the pro life of hockey. The Hamilton Bulldogs could always use a player of his skill, and he will act as theirs until further notice.
HOWEVER the story ends here because the lady didn't report and is currently suspended without pay. Colour me disappointed.
But something seems weird if you excuse me for a moment as I take a trip down interview lane.
"I disagree with the statement that KHL can catch up and take the lead against the NHL in the nearest future. If it ever happens it is a matter of not few years. Also, it's too early for me to talk about "zeroes" in the contract. I'm still young, will get mine when it's due. By the way, rumor that Ak Bars wanted to sign Andrei was not true. The rumor circulated all over the internet, but not a single phone call was made to my brother. Again, I don't know my brother's intentions, but as for me, I do not even plan on returning to Europe in the foreseeable future." (Read more here).
"I am still very young, and I am not even thinking about it. I want to play in the NHL. I am not thinking [about the money], I am still young, I am not 35 like Jagr, or however old he is right now. Jagr played here for a long time, and he is a big-time star, and of course he was offered a lot of money in Russia and he left. But I am only 21, I have only started playing in the NHL." (And more here).
I can has contradictions?
Maybe trade him to the Red Wings, his favourite team. Then he'll see what it means to toil in the AHL forever and ever and ever...
Anyway, season starts tomorrow people. Let's kick the tires and light the fires, and get ready for a pugnacious night.