In a world with relentlessly bad news, how about we touch upon a little bit of good news? It turns out, the Russian government isn't holding NHL players hostage. Kiril Kaprizov is back in North America, despite concerns that he might have a warrant for having a fake military ID to evade service in Vladimir Putin's illicit war with Ukraine.
Of course, the war in Ukraine carries on. As the western world maintains their resolve against Russian aggression, the more likely it becomes that Putin and his cronies look for ways to lash out at those that are opposed, or aren't giving him enough adulation. Because Kaprizov and apparently Russian hockey players in the NHL writ large are safe and available today doesn't mean that won't change.
And unfortunately, there IS an athlete that plays North American sports being held captive by the Russian government. WNBA superstar Brittney Griner remains a prisoner, thanks to a specious charge of possession that occurred the day before Russia invaded Ukraine. The American government is trying to engineer a prisoner exchange for Griner and another American held in Russian custody.
Many athletes, many leagues, and even a lot of NHLers will continue to show their support for Ukraine. It will continue to be the dominant factor in the global economy, political discourse and conversation until Russia ends the war. While we were told to stop talking about it at the last place I wrote, it will still be on our minds, and will still be threat to people like Kiril Kaprizov if he ever wants to go home, or Brittney Griner, who desperately wants to come home.
But for the moment, we have the freedom to talk about the war and what we might ever be able to do to help, even if it is just the "Thoughts and Prayers" boilerplate. When all there is is hope, Thoughts and Prayers mean a lot more. And for the moment, Kiril Kaprizov simply has his freedom.
This has been a touch of good news.
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