Actually, Mogilny's defection did not make it easier for players like Federov and Bure to play in the NHL. The Soviet sport authorities were willing to let some of the older players like Fetisov and Larionov go, but they had no intention of letting their younger stars play for the 'enemy'. Mogilny's defection was a shock and a great loss, so it was probably more difficult to cross over because of increased security at international events after he left. Don't forget, Federov was not allowed to leave- he defected in '90. Bure flew to the states in the fall of '91 and negotiated with the Canucks without the permission of Soviet authorities but by then time was running out on the USSR. It would be gone by the end of the year and the Red Army no longer controlled the destiny of these players... Thanks for the video on Alexander- one of the all-time NHL greats and one of my favorite players!
Actually, Mogilny's defection did not make it easier for players like Federov and Bure to play in the NHL. The Soviet sport authorities were willing to let some of the older players like Fetisov and Larionov go, but they had no intention of letting their younger stars play for the 'enemy'. Mogilny's defection was a shock and a great loss, so it was probably more difficult to cross over because of increased security at international events after he left. Don't forget, Federov was not allowed to leave- he defected in '90. Bure flew to the states in the fall of '91 and negotiated with the Canucks without the permission of Soviet authorities but by then time was running out on the USSR. It would be gone by the end of the year and the Red Army no longer controlled the destiny of these players... Thanks for the video on Alexander- one of the all-time NHL greats and one of my favorite players!
The fact that he's not in the NHL Hall of Fame is a disgrace.
The name's Bond. Alexander Bond...
What a story!