Dubas says the Leafs have raised security for Russian players Mikheyev and Lyubushkin
In light of the ongoing conflict in Europe after Russia had invaded the Ukraine last month, several Russian NHLers have reported issues relating to threats against their lives in North America. As a result, many teams have elected to increase security for their Russian players to avoid any potentially harmful situations.
On Friday, Leafs GM Kyle Dubas spoke with the media from the site of the 2022 Heritage Classic at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario and the question did come up as to whether or not Dubas and the Leafs had increased security for their two Russian players - forward Ilya Mikheyev and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin.
During his media availability, Dubas revealed that the Leafs had indeed heightened the security presence around both players, but at this point, neither player has come forward with anything concerning, according to the Leafs' GM.
Our director of security is around the team every single day on the road and at home. We've talked to both of the players and there have been no issues reported to them or anything towards them and their families. We just continue to monitor it - they're members of our team. We care about them, we want to make sure that they're safe and that we're taking care of them as best we can.
Anything that comes up, they know to report it right away.
Anything that comes up, they know to report it right away.
Per player agent Dan Milstein, who represents a large percentage of Russian NHLers, there have already been several instances where players have received very serious threats against them and their families.
Thankfully for the Leafs, Mikheyev and Lyubushkin appear to have avoided any such issues thus far, and hopefully with their security detail, they're able to feel safe and supported by the organization during what I'm sure is a difficult time for them as well.
None of this is meant to take away from what is currently happening in Ukraine, which is absolutely senseless and horrifying. It's mainly meant to serve as a reminder that not all Russian people support the Russian invasion of the Ukraine.
| POLL | ||
MARS 5 | 302 ANSWERS Dubas says the Leafs have raised security for Russian players Mikheyev and Lyubushkin Is 2022 going to be the year that the Leafs finally get past the first round? | ||
| Yes | 118 | 39.1 % |
| No | 69 | 22.8 % |
| Only if they improve their defense | 85 | 28.1 % |
| They need a goalie | 30 | 9.9 % |
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