The Russian site Sport-Express has put out their list of the top 50 Russian players, and it will get people talking. I have some issues with it, but first, before we get out the complaints, knowing how they made the list helps.
They considered players’ performance this season, but also their historical performance as well. And there was a vote, but the vote was added to an existing ranking. All of that ends up as this list, which is really tough to do across leagues like this, so full marks to them for even trying.
First, and obviously to be loudly criticized by everyone who is sure Nikita Zaitsev is just bad, our own defenceman is 14th on the list.