Varlamov Denies any Interest in KHL

by tuvanhillbilly on Jun 22, 2009 9:22 PM EDT in Translations

[Today's issue of Sovietsky Sport had a teaser for an interview between SS's Pavel Lysenkov and Semyon Varlamov, the entirety of which will be in tomorrow's edition.]

"A few days ago I was in Yaroslavl, taking exams" said Semyon. "Now I'm already at home in Samara. Where am I studying? At the Yaroslavl Pedagogical University, in the Physical Training department. I'm a rising fourth year."

Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Ovechkin studied the same thing, and they recalled that they got hung up on the question "what is the diameter of a puck?"

"To be honest, I couldn't tell you the diameter of a puck either" laughed Varlamov. "I do agree it's a killer question. I hope I don't get it during my next sessions."

I'm sure you're getting automatic straight A's now that you're a star.

"I'm not going to argue with you, they make it easier to pass the exams when they know you. Although I take my studies seriously and don't take any shortcuts."

While you were in Yaroslavl, a rumor came out that Lokomotiv offered you a 2 year contract.

"I saw this surprising bit of information on the internet, and I'm ready to refute it. I did not have negotiations with the leadership of Lokomotiv. I can't even imagine who put out this rumor."

I think I'd be proud of this-when rumors like this start swirling around you, it means you've made it as a player.

"I like it. Especially since it's not just anyone "wooing" me, but Lokomotiv itself! But I haven't received any proposals. And I'm not prepared to look at any."

Why?

"I had a task of play a full season in North America, and I did that. If I had spent all season in Washington's farm club and was never called to the NHL, then of course I might start to think about returning to Russia. That would be logical, if there was no chance of me making it on to a team...

But now I don't have any desire to look at any offers. I have to become Washington's main goalkeeper and make it to the Olympics. Those are the goals I'm striving towards."

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Comments

I dont know if its the translation to English, but this kid really is well spoken. He doesnt shy away from questions and is always honest. Too many times you see rookies in other sports being cocky and whatnot. And it hurts them later on. Varly knows what hes doing, and its great. Gotta love him

by amkcaps on Jun 22, 2009 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

Whew, glad to hear THAT! :-)

It’s also very cool that he’s studying physical training. That knowledge will stand him in very good stead as a professional hockey player, as well as give him a career he can go to when (20 years from now!) he retires… :-)

by IRockTheRed on Jun 22, 2009 9:37 PM EDT reply actions

That’s partially why I’m a little afraid of Neuvirth’s mindset:

“I had a task of play a full season in North America, and I did that. If I had spent all season in Washington’s farm club and was never called to the NHL, then of course I might start to think about returning to Russia. That would be logical, if there was no chance of me making it on to a team…”

I hope he doesn’t feel too similarly.

by DrinkingPartner on Jun 22, 2009 9:51 PM EDT reply actions

What’s the diameter of a puck? I guess we just have to measure it and see. For a greater challenge, compute the surface area of the puck or the volume. (Of course, for those, measure the diameter and then plug the number into the appropriate formula.)

Anyway, glad to see that Simeon will remain with the Caps.

by CapsFan75 on Jun 22, 2009 10:00 PM EDT reply actions

honestly, I was a little surprised by this

"I had a task of play a full season in North America, and I did that. If I had spent all season in Washington’s farm club and was never called to the NHL, then of course I might start to think about returning to Russia

Over the summer/pre-season Varly had indicated that he was ready to spend an entire year in the minors if need be.

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by Sombrero Guy on Jun 22, 2009 10:21 PM EDT reply actions

By way of background, here’s Simeon in April, 2008 (the one you’re no doubt thinking of):

I know that the Washington Capitals are waiting for me, they talk a lot with my agent. I’m planning to leave for North America. I know it will be hard to break into the Capitals roster. But I will try. I am even prepared to spend a year or two in the AHL…. I know how much they pay in the AHL. But at this stage I’m not interested in money.

Then his old man dropped this one in September, 2008:

Q. In your opinion, can we expect Simeon to return back to Russia during this season?

A. First of all he must see how he would be treated [in North America]. If all goes well he certainly won’t return. But if the situation in terms of the chances to break in will look hopeless, then we’ll talk through his American agent about the possibility that the club could rent him…. After all, one thing is to play in the NHL, and completely different one is to play in the AHL, which is greatly inferior to our Russian league. But it’s not in Simeon’s plans to flee from the NHL, everything will be done officially through negotiations.

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by J.P. on Jun 22, 2009 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Hi all – I’ve been reading for a while, but hadn’t commented yet; since Varly is my favorite new Cap, I figured this is a good place to start.

Honestly, I would’ve been surprised if Varly had said this LAST summer – at that point, he wanted to make the public statement that he’d be willing to do whatever it takes to play for Washington, including staying in Hershey for a year. But of course he’d “start to think” about going back to the team in Russia where he had success before if he didn’t get a look by the club here after all that time. From his dad’s quote, it’s obvious that he sees the AHL as a springboard for getting to the NHL, and can Varly be blamed for thinking about returning to Russia if his chances of playing for the Caps are “hopeless”?

Obviously, this isn’t even an issue now, since the Caps got a major eye-full of him in the postseason, and he feels more confident that he’s got a legitimate shot at the #1 spot next year. And thankfully, he’s set on returning to the net in DC.

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by KellyinDC on Jun 22, 2009 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I think if you compete for time as a goalie in the AHL not all is lost. Hell, even the ECHL goalies have hope.

by red army line on Jun 23, 2009 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Just ask Michal Neuvirth.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jun 23, 2009 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions

No doubt – I totally agree that the chances of an AHL goalie moving up are good if they play well. And obviously, playing well in the AHL is not easy to do. But when Varly arrived, the Caps’ crease was (and still is) a little crowded – the Caps had two vets (Johnson and Theo, who had just been signed) plus at least three younger guys (Varly, Neuvirth, and Holtby) all aiming for the same spot. To an extent, Varly couldn’t be optimistic that he would get a serious shot with the Caps. My dad does the same thing when a new opportunity arrives – he always suggests not getting too excited and to wait and see how things play out. I’m sure that’s what happened here.

Follow me on Twitter @KellyinDC...

by KellyinDC on Jun 23, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions