Yes, I know. Blasphemy.
And yet, as much as it is difficult or even impossible to comprehend the greatness that was Juraj (George) Mikus, it is equally impossible to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer a part of the Kings organization…for now.
Some may argue he is the Kings organization. And while this may be true (who am I to question such things), nonetheless, he will not be playing in North America this year…or will he?
1 year and 14 days ago, the Legend of Mikus was born. And with it came a year of unprecedented fanaticism, the likes of which have not been seen since the dramatic rise of Chuck Norris. We welcomed him, praised him, lauded him, loved him, and even worshiped him. Yet, despite our best efforts, we never saw him play in a Kings jersey. Of course, I’m sure he wanted it that way.
And so it goes, Juraj Mikus exercised his option to go back to Europe (that process was originally described by Rich Hammond on July 21st, 2009):
I was able to get some further information about the Juraj Mikus situation, particularly in terms of the “option” he would have to return to Europe. From what I’m told, that “option” is very common, and a standard part of a contract for a player with European experience. It’s a mutual thing…in case both sides think it’s best for a player to be assigned overseas.
Well, we all know that “both sides” didn’t think it was best for him to leave. It was purely Mikus’ choice. So where did he go? Well, he decided to grace Russia with his presence. It was reported here and here that:
Slovak forward Juraj Mikus (from the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL) has signed a 2 year contract with the KHL’s Moscow Spartak
This news leaves us with a theme. Both last summer’s big story (Mikus signing with the Kings) and this summer’s big story (Kovalchuk almost signing with the Kings) has a Russian connection. The former departs for it, the latter never arrives. Not to mention, throw in Frolov walking away for nothing, and the Kings have what appears to be somewhat of a jinx in place when it comes to our former cold war foes.
And while no one knows for certain what spurred Juraj’s decision to give up on his dream of playing in the NHL, one can speculate that it either had something to do with wanting to be closer to home (Slovakia) or his sense of fairness in not wanting to take over the NHL (or maybe he just didn’t think the LA Kings were ready to win their first ever Stanley Cup).
And while it appears the Legend of Mikus is over, there is a chance that all of this information is completely wrong.
In case you didn’t know, there are two players with the name Juraj Mikus. One is a forward (our Mikus), the other a defenseman (both from Slovakia). The same report that has our Mikus going to Spartak also says that he was their 3rd round draft pick last year (60th overall). Well, low and behold, I looked up that draft and the Spartak’s did, in fact, draft Mikus 60th overall.
However.
The draft has him listed as a DEFENSEMAN!!!
Could it be that the other Mikus has left for the KHL and not our Mikus?
The Legend continues…
Mikus just wanted to balance out his life by playing in Russia(it’s hard running a country while your living in another).It will be easier to secretly run the Kings organization from there(since the demand on his time is far less).
In all fairness to me, my Mikus post pre-dates Rich’s by a few hours.
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2009/07/09/i-give-up-how-many-juraj-mikuses-are-there-and-just-how-excellent-is-his-missile/
Ahh yes, I forgot about this post. Indeed, for all intents and purposes, you were the spark that started the proverbial snowball down the hill.
As far as I can tell, here is the first mention of Mikus on ITK the day before…
http://www.insidesocal.com/kings/2009/07/forum-answers-viii-1.html#comment-2320370
BLASPHEMERS & QUEERS!
How DARE you all believe the Enquirer like Russian press as if it was anything better than Hockeybuzz! The shame that should fall upon you should feel like a THOUSAND SUNS slowly burning the hairs off your backs one by one!
Repent while you can. This is obviously about the Anti-Mikus and not the beloved himself. The REAL mikus would never subject himself to such low standards, unless someone in the KHL REALLY pissed him off. That could be it.
I won’t believe it until I see the press conference and people dancing in the streets of Moscow.
One word: Awesome
…and I repent! Repent!
Low standards? SKA has played 56 games and amassed 122 points while Salavat has 129 points after 56 games.
Heck, they giving away points, you expect that boy to stay on the farm?