Russian fears, Yzerman's draft-day gamble 
After the 2011 NHL draft, Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman stood at edge of the draft floor to talk to the media. And it was obvious what reporters would ask about: the Russians.
During the entire 2011 draft, only eight Russians were selected -- and the Lightning picked three of them. Initially, Yzerman said the normal bland things you'd expect a GM to say. But then he said something very poignant: If these guys pan out, they are huge value picks.
To see how a transfer agreement would help Russian prospects in their draft years and get a sense of the risk Yzerman and the Lightning have taken, you must be an ESPN Insider
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Grant Sonier
Grant Sonier has scouted for six NHL organizations over the past 13 years, most recently for the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2010-11 season. He is a special contributor to ESPN Insider.
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Victoria Matiash
Victoria Matiash has served as a Fantasy Hockey columnist for ESPN.com since 2007, and contributor to NHL Rumor Central since 2010. She lives in Toronto.
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