i literally woke up today mad about the headcanon/theory that ilya doesn't care about hockey. that's simply not possible. it's just not!!!!
hes in the conversation for best player in the world you don't get there without giving a fuck and caring. like yes I'm sure a large part of what appeals (and appealed when he was young) to him about hockey was the social power and also the ability to leave russia and get away from his family but all of that requires care and passion.
you will not make it in professional sports without profoundly caring and you especially won't be one of the best without it being a passion of yours. there's other careers that bring power and opportunity that don't include wrecking your body to the point of having to stop by the time you're 40 (if you're lucky!!!)
