The KHL Experiment Gone Awry

It's rare that I will comment on hockey that isn't played on North American soil, since I'm the only person here that writes this blog and therefore, doesn't have the resources to cover anything outside this continent (read: televised games of European leagues), though that doesn't stop me from talking about Man U and Celtic FC (the team I love to hate and the team that has my full support, despite being in separate leagues in a completely different sport).  However, this little bit of news making the rounds this week has me intrigued.

The guy you see in the pic is Kyle Wellwood, ex-Maple Leaf and Canuck, who was recently released from his KHL (Russian League) team.  What's that?  You didn't know Wellwood was still playing hockey?  Then, you probably didn't know about Evgeni Nabokov having a life after the NHL, though he too, is no longer with his KHL team.  Back to Wellwood, he was a guy that had some potential as a second line player, but work ethic has often been an issue with him and is the focal point for why teams are unwilling to commit to him, thus his exodus to the KHL in the first place.  Now, news of his release from his team this year makes one wonder if Wellwood is destined to be a career journeyman who will be destined for the AHL or any other lower tier league.  Speaking of which, Mr. Wellwood, the Missouri Mavericks of the Central Hockey League would look like a good fit for you, and I would be the first to be on board for such a thing.