Stars GM Jim Nill was on the floor at the 2011 NHL draft at Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota, marveling at his daring new peer.



At the next table was Lightning GM Steve Yzerman, who had just picked a Russian player for the third time in the first five rounds. First went Vladislav Namestnikov (first round), then Nikita Kucherov (second round) and Nikita Nesterov (fifth round).



Many teams were wary Russians wouldn’t make the jump to North America, instead staying in the KHL. Just eight players from that country were among the 201 selections in 2011. Three were by Tampa Bay.



Nill turned to Yzerman, the former iconic Red Wings captain, and asked: “What’s the deal with all these Russians?”



Yzerman, in just his second draft as GM, shrugged and gave a sly smile. Nill, a former Detroit assistant GM, knew better. So did long-time Red Wings executive Jim Devellano. Yzerman said taking Russians was part of his strategy.



“He...