Svitov might miss even more time

The first-round pick could face five years in the Russian military. ''Nothing is black and white in Russia,'' says the forward's agent.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 23, 2002

TAMPA -- Will the Lightning be without Alexander Svitov, its top pick of the 2001 draft, for two more years or five?

Web site faceoff.com reported that the No. 3 overall pick has been released by a Russian court from his contract with Avangard Omsk, his hometown Super League team, to begin serving a five-year military obligation.

The Lightning and Svitov's agent, Jay Grossman, always have said the obligation is two years.

Grossman reiterated that on Friday, but acknowledged, "Nothing is black and white in Russia."

Also affected by the court order: Stanislav Chistov, the first-round pick of the Mighty Ducks in the same draft.

Grossman said Svitov and Chistov would normally have to fulfill their contracts to Omsk after completing their military obligations.

But under International Ice Hockey Federation rules, Svitov's three-year, $3.6-million contract with Tampa Bay supersedes any other.

"Obviously we have to talk to the NHL and see the ruling," Lightning general manager Jay Feaster said. "We have to talk to Jay (Grossman) and see what's going on. The IIHF agreement talks about compulsory military obligation and that is two years."