SKA GM: We would love to get Crosby, but would he come to Russia?

SKA St. Petersburg General Manager Alexei Kasatonov commented on the reports that their top players are set to move to the NHL.

“Do you intend to sign anyone from the NHL this summer?”

“It’s a difficult situation there, a lockout may be on the cards. So it’s not clear yet what the rules are going to be. We are interested in certain NHL players, but I cannot give you any names yet. Do we want Russians or foreigners? There is the issue of the foreign players quota in the NHL, so we only want the top foreign players. As for the Russian stars, it is easier to get them and the choice is wider. We want to trade for Sid Crosby, but you understand that he is unlikely to accept our offer.”

“Are you doing anything to keep your stars Vladimir Tarasenko and Victor Tikhonov?”

“We still own Tikhonov and Tarasenko, but the lads have clearly set their sights on NHL. However, I don’t think they are ready yet. We are ready to do all we can to keep them, but it’s not about the money. At the moment we need to figure out, if they want to remain in Saint-Petersburg,” the GM admitted in an interview to Sporbox.ru.