westbeach55
01-18-2006, 03:20 PM
Canadian Press
1/18/2006 1:22:44 PM
WASHINGTON (CP) - Moscow Dynamo has failed in its attempt to force rookie sensation Alexander Ovechkin back home to play for the Russian club after a Washington judge dismissed its lawsuit Wednesday.
Dynamo wanted the U.S. court to enforce a Russian arbitrator's ruling that it still owns the rights to the 2004 No. 1 overall pick.
"We're very pleased with the court's decision today, which we believe was well reasoned and consistent with prevailing legal precedent," said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly. "Both Mr. Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals organization are to be congratulated for refusing to be intimidated or extorted by the Dynamo club, and for taking all steps necessary to defend their legal and contractual rights."
In July, Ovechkin met a deadline to exercise an option to end his 2005-06 contract with another Russian club, Avangard Omsk, so he could join the Capitals. His previous club, Dynamo Moscow, claimed that it matched Avangard Omsk's offer to Ovechkin but without a release option clause. Ovechkin played three years for Dynamo Moscow.
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But judge Emmet G. Sullivan disagreed with Dynamo.
"To the contrary, Dynamo's patchwork of documents, without more, persuasively supports the argument that Ovechkin wished to end his relationship with Dynamo once and for all," Sullivan wrote in his decision.
Ovechkin leads all NHL rookies with 58 points (32 goals) in 44 games.
1/18/2006 1:22:44 PM
WASHINGTON (CP) - Moscow Dynamo has failed in its attempt to force rookie sensation Alexander Ovechkin back home to play for the Russian club after a Washington judge dismissed its lawsuit Wednesday.
Dynamo wanted the U.S. court to enforce a Russian arbitrator's ruling that it still owns the rights to the 2004 No. 1 overall pick.
"We're very pleased with the court's decision today, which we believe was well reasoned and consistent with prevailing legal precedent," said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly. "Both Mr. Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals organization are to be congratulated for refusing to be intimidated or extorted by the Dynamo club, and for taking all steps necessary to defend their legal and contractual rights."
In July, Ovechkin met a deadline to exercise an option to end his 2005-06 contract with another Russian club, Avangard Omsk, so he could join the Capitals. His previous club, Dynamo Moscow, claimed that it matched Avangard Omsk's offer to Ovechkin but without a release option clause. Ovechkin played three years for Dynamo Moscow.
Related Info
Ovechkin pulling away in rookie race
But judge Emmet G. Sullivan disagreed with Dynamo.
"To the contrary, Dynamo's patchwork of documents, without more, persuasively supports the argument that Ovechkin wished to end his relationship with Dynamo once and for all," Sullivan wrote in his decision.
Ovechkin leads all NHL rookies with 58 points (32 goals) in 44 games.