Some Russian NHLers considering options as U.S., Canada expand sanctions

TSN Senior Correspondent

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Russian players, their representatives and National Hockey League teams have contacted immigration lawyers in recent days to discuss the process of applying for asylum or permanent residency in North America, according to sources familiar with the subject.

All are concerned that the U.S. and Canadian governments may slow or stop issuing new work permits and travel visas to Russian athletes, said Joe Kirkwood, a San Diego-based immigration lawyer who has worked on player visa issues for more than 25 NHL and American Hockey League teams.

“My teams are scared,” Kirkwood said. “They are concerned that Russian players in their systems may be required to leave, or that their visas may not get renewed. The worry is about sanctions. The U.S. and Canada are adding new sanctions almost every day and it’s impossible to say what that will mean for the granting of new visas for foreign workers.

“I don’t expect that the U.S. government would revoke the visas for [Russian pro hockey players] who already are here, but there’s a very real and valid concern about what might happen with new visas moving forward.”

Two sources close to players who have pursued conversations with immigration lawyers asked for anonymity because they said it may endanger those players if they were identified.

Thomas Arkell, an immigration lawyer in Bloomington, Ill., who has represented professional hockey players and teams, said he has also been contacted by players and player agents worried about the growing conflict in Ukraine.

“Many European players are concerned about the current threat that exists to them, their family, and/or their country,” Arkell wrote in a text message. “I have had numerous inquiries lately