Summary:

Ilya ignored the request from the NHL twice. The first time they asked through his agent, the second time the director of marketing called his personal number directly. He never got along with the league as a player, and he certainly didn't need to make them happy now.

The next attempt to reach him was harder to ignore. A phone call from an unknown number. A voicemail that made his blood run cold.

"Hi Ilya. This is Rose Landry. We've never met, but Shane speaks so highly of you. I think the NHL has been trying to get in touch. Shane said you probably wouldn't talk to them. But...think about it, ok? I know it would mean a lot to him."

The final request crumbled his resolve. The caller ID blinked "Jane," and Ilya stared at it.

***
Canon divergence, Shane and Ilya are estranged for a decade. Shane finally reaches out to Ilya when he retires.