Amid discussions about Russian players' eligibility in the NHL due to the Ukraine conflict, the NHL kept rejecting location-based bans. However, it now seems that Russia will be the one implementing restrictions for Russian players. <h2>Major Setback for Russian Prospects</h2> <div align='center' style='padding-top:20px;padding-bottom:20px;'><img src='https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/i/photo/355383.webp' width='100%' border='0' alt='image' loading='lazy' defer /></div> Recent news from Russia reveals that President Vladimir Putin has issued a directive requiring hockey players to spend a minimum number of seasons in the KHL. <q>Of note to NHL prospects with KHL clubs: Shumi Babaev mentions via MatchTV: We have an order from the President, according to which young players should stay here - in Russia. They have been working on rules to not allow players to go abroad before a set amount of time.</q> This directive may complicate matters for NHL prospects in KHL clubs. For example, the Philadelphia Flyers could need to wait three more seasons before their top prospect, Matvei Michkov, can join the NHL. This rule could also lead to teams avoiding certain players due to the extended 4-5 year waiting period. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/hockeynewshub/status/1739299681509793867?s=46'> </a></blockquote></div> Do you think NHL teams will stop drafting Russian players? As seen on House of Hockey - <a href='https://www.houseofhockey.net/nhl/news/BREAKING-Russian-Players-Facing-Major-Ban-Against-Playing-In-The-NHL' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>BREAKING: Russian Players Facing Major Ban Against Playing In The NHL</a>