Q - When you left the NHL I assumed you would be one of the first guys on the KHL bandwagon, It's actually your second year in the Moscow area after an almost 20 year exile, that's allot of time !
A - (Laughing) Mytishchi is a bit like Laval so can I call it the Moscow area ? Actually there had been allot of change since I left, my first years back in the KHL were in Kazan and since I didn't renew my association with them last year we decided to move into a more ''multi-national'' area. My wife is Canadian so the fact we're in a more english -friendly environment now is important.
Q - Second season for Atlant, how are you meshing with the club ?
A - They have World-Class installations and a fantastic coaching staff, you could say it was an easy transition from my previous clubs, but the fact I'm closer to home I think magnifies all the good aspects of playing here. But don't get me wrong, when it comes to professional hockey in Europe, whether you're in Switzerland or Russia the teams go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Q - You had a taste of both, how do you gauge the KHL's progress vs the NHL ?
A - It's still another game here compared to North America, the differences go beyond the product that both leagues put on the ice. The format is different at every level not just the width of the rink. I think that the KHL offers a great product and that fans, players as well as owners are happy with what we're offering.
Q - When you left the NHL, you were in your early 30s, would finishing your playing career so close to where it began something you've considered ?
A - We have a pretty young team, and I think that being part of this veteran core is great because the roles are well defined. I doubt I would ever go back to Switzerland or anywhere else, especially closing in on 40. I mean there are always offers and different opportunities in this game, but I think I'm done moving the family from one spot to another.
Q - You're putting up fantastic numbers this year for someone closing in on 40
A - I think that beyond age, the most important thing for an athlete in today's game is the amount of preparation and motivation that goes in your play. I've kept in shape and most importantly, I've kept my motivation .
Q - The KHL has some good caliber stars who had an impact in the NHL like Jagr, Yashin, Radulov and a few others, last year's top scorer was Marcel Hossa who had difficulty in North America but adapted very well to the KHL how do you explain this ?
A - My opinion is that to have success in the KHL, you need a good skillset and Marcel, like his brother has dominant hockey skills. It can be maturity too, maybe Marcel would be putting up good numbers in the NHL if teams had been more patient.
Q - There is still a sense of disbelief over the Radulov situation back in the NHL
A - People forget the amount of players even until recently who left to go play in North America, there was allot of controversy when Malkin left, but like the NHL is happy to have Malkin, we are happy to have Radulov
Q - You and Jan Bulis still talk about Montreal ?
A - The NHL is still a recent memory for Jan, we have players like Bykov, Zyuzin, Obsut who also played in North America. There are only good memories of course.
Q - Back to the NHL, I remember you and Andrei Markov being very close playing in Montreal, do you guys still keep in touch ?
A - It has been hard for Andrei the last two years as he is recovering from a serious injury, we've never really lost touch. I hope he gets better. Of course now that he speaks English and has the Canadian citizenship he might not make Team Canada in Sochi. I will be sad for him(laughs).
