Young rookie already prepared to walk away from his team and the NHL, after less than half a season
This is a bit surprising. According to a report out of Russia, a rookie with the Columbus Blue Jackets wants to go home to Russia, despite the fact that he's had a great start to his NHL career.
According to Sport.business-gazeta.ru, Dmitri Voronkov is looking at the possibility of returning to Ak Bars Kazan for a couple of reasons.
Voronkov does have an out clause in the two-year contract he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, that clause can only be used if he's playing in the AHL, and only until December 31st of this year. Given that the rookie has 3 goals and 9 points in 14 games on a struggling Columbus sqaud this season, it's doubtful he'll get sent back to the minors. Voronkov's six-foot-five, 200 lbs frame and his ability to use it on the ice makes it even harder to send him down.
Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent acknowledges that Voronkov is unable to communicate with non-Russian players, but said it hasn't been an issue on the ice.
If Voronkov really wants to return to Russia, his only hope may be to intentionally lower expectations of what he can do during a game. Voronkov, 23, played five seasons for AK Bars before coming to North America.
https://t.co/v3L4Iimx8t� Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) November 23, 2023
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 23 | 88 ANSWERS Young rookie already prepared to walk away from his team and the NHL, after less than half a season Will Voronkov stay or leave? | ||
| Stay | 27 | 30.7 % |
| Leave | 41 | 46.6 % |
| Not sure | 20 | 22.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
