Almost forgot, wanted to bring this up.
During the first intermission, Dirk was interviewing some guy who is part of USA Hockey (I think. Forgot his name, sorry). He said he came up for Carnival, and was on the flight from Chicago with several players' parents. He said they were all incredibly upbeat and optimistic about next year.
Of course, they are parents, so take it for what it's worth. However it got me thinking that if the parents are optimistic, does that increase the odds that Russell stays?
Food for thought.