Since Russia invaded Ukraine earlier this year, the KHL has been almost emptied of foreign players. No player from Czech Republic will play in the league this season, and the same goes for Finland.
Meanwhile, Sweden–which has six players in the KHL this season–has announced that if a player decides to play in the KHL, they’re no longer welcome in the national team. According to Elite Prospects, 14 American player is under contract in the KHL this season, and from Canada, the number rises to 47.
Players who chose to stay in the KHL or sign new contracts in the league have received massive criticism, and now, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is asking them to step out of the country.
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Last week, the Russian government began a mobilization of its citizens to the armed forces to help with the invasion of Ukraine. As a result, on Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a security alert for all U.S. citizens. The security alert asks all U.S. citizens in Russia to leave the county as soon as possible.
“Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, prevent their departure from Russia, and conscript dual nationals for military service,” the alert stated.
”U.S. citizens should not travel to Russia and those residing or travelling in Russia should depart Russia immediately while limited commercial travel options remain.”
So what will happen with the American KHL players now? Time will tell.
