Grier on Czech Republic games: `Either we all go, or no one goes'
SAN JOSE >> General manager Mike Grier said the Sharks won't be in the Czech Republic for two Global Series games next month if Russian-born players on the team such as Alexander Barabanov are denied entry into the country.
The NHL has been told by the Czech Foreign Ministry
that the Sharks and Nashville Predators' Russian-born players are not wanted in the country for the Oct. 7 and 8 games in Prague because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
An NHL spokesperson told this news organization that the league does not expect “any issues with Russian Players traveling to or playing in the games.” Grier, too, said he does not anticipate any problems but added that he won't leave players behind to play the games.
“We're a team, so, if they say some guys can't go over then, either we all go or no one goes,” Grier said. “But I'm not anticipating any issues right now.”
Barabanov, 28, is the Sharks' most prominent Russian player. Born in St. Petersburg, Barabanov has developed into one of the Sharks' most valuable wingers since he was acquired by the team from the Toronto Maple Leafs late in the 2020-2021 season.
Last season, Barabanov had 39 points in 70 games as he played almost exclusively on the Sharks' top line with Tomas Hertl and Timo Meier. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Barabanov was re-signed by the Sharks this offseason to a two-year, $5 million contract.
Other Sharks players that could potentially be affected by the Czech government's present stance include forwards Evgeny Svechnikov and Danil Gushchin, and defenseman Artemi Kniazev.
Agent Daniel Milstein, who represents both Barabanov and Svechnikov, tweeted his appreciation for Grier, saying, “Great leadership from Mike! One for all and all for one!”
Notable Russian players on the Predators' roster include forwards Yakov Trenin and Egor Afanasyev.
The Sharks are expected to take up to 27 players when they leave for Europe on Oct. 1. San Jose plays Eisbären Berlin in an exhibition game on Oct. 4.