Viktor Tikhonov and Artemy Panarin Move to NHL

Top KHL players Viktor Tikhonov (left) and Artemy Panarin (right) are fleeing to the NHL next season. The SKA forwards, according to a source close to the club, have a 95% probability of leaving Russia. Both players' contracts expire at the end of the season.

Panarin is second in KHL scoring with 26 goals and 36 assists, for 62 points in 53 games. The 23 year old was not drafted by a NHL team. Tikhonov has 8 goals and 15 assists, for 23 points in 44 games. The 27 year old was drafted 28th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Tikhonov became World Champion with the Russian team last spring and was named the best forward of the tournament.

Both players are skilled two way players comparable to Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning. With the Russian Ruble free falling, look for more KHL players to jump ship to the NHL. Will this be the beginning of the end for the KHL?