The level of play between the NHL and KHL is apparently wide as these former NHL mediocrities are big stars in the KHL. Maybe they were just late bloomers?
I've always considered the KHL a distant 2nd to the NHL and possibly not even better than the SEL! AND, if the talent itself is 2nd tier, the conditions, the travel, etc are closer to 3rd world than anything else compared the way NHLers travel and live!
Funny that the majority of the players were either former Oilers or Senators. Bochenski was given a chance, but couldn't outwork the regulars at a time when Chicago and Ottawa had lots of talent coming up from the minors. I was hoping for more from him in the NHL. Cheechoo wasn't a one hit wonder and shouldn't surprise many people, as he was a regular 30 goal 65 point player, but his 56 goal season couldn't be repeated in the NHL due to injuries. No reason that any, but Dawes should shock most people in a less physical, higher offense league.