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Locked-out NHL players look to Europe

Dunya News

With doors shut at National Hockey League arenas, best hockey players are turning to Europe.

Every player on an NHL roster as of Sunday morning became free to seek other work for the duration of the lockout, and many started doing so immediately.The Russia-based KHL is expected to lure some of the NHLs biggest names and teams from Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Germany and the Czech Republic will come calling as well.Depending on the length of the lockout, it could result in a massive displacement of players throughout the hockey world.The scary part is I think youll see some of the best players in the game (going over), said Calgary Flames forward Mike Cammalleri. Lets hope they come back when theyre going to get paid the dollars theyre going to get paid in some of these leagues to go play now.Nearly 400 NHL players suited up in 19 different European leagues during the lockout that cancelled the entire 2004-05 season. It was a migration that came with a fair bit of controversy as the NHLers pushed others out of jobs.The debate around that topic has already restarted again, but its unlikely to deter many of the 750 locked-out members of the NHL Players Association.Im a hockey player and its a competitive business, said Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. Would I look forward to that opportunity of taking someones job? No. But at the end of the day Im a hockey player.If the NHLs most recognizable player ends up signing in Europe at some point, hes most likely to head to Russia or Switzerland. Penguins teammate Evgeni Malkin is committed to his hometown team in Magnitogorsk, which announced his signing along with that of Ottawa Senators defenceman Sergei Gonchar on Sunday, and hes already believed to have started lobbying No. 87 to join him.The KHL has established guidelines for its teams to follow during the lockout. Each is permitted to sign a maximum of three NHLers for a salary worth no more than 65 per cent of what they were due to earn in North America this season.For the 20 teams based in Russia, only one of three spots can be used on a foreigner, and that person must have played at least 150 NHL games over the past three seasons, suited up recently for his national team or won the Stanley Cup or a major individual award.The six located outside the Russian border can sign players who dont meet any of those criteria.Now in its fifth season, the KHL believes it is in a position to capitalize on the availability of so many elite players.Mainly I think its going to be a lot of additional marketing potential for the league and hockey itself as a game, KHL vice-president Ilya Kochevrin said recently. The stars bring additional attention ... to a lot of people who probably dont consider hockey the sport of choice.I think as a marketing tool its a great opportunity.There has been some debate in Swedish hockey circles about how best to approach the lockout. The top division, known as Elitserien, has said all players must sign a contract for the entire season not one that would terminate if the NHL reaches a deal in collective bargaining.