It did not take long for players to jump ship and head overseas in search of a competitive environment they will not be finding in North America anytime soon.
The NHL entered a lockout on Saturday night with no end in sight, although both sides will meet with each other within the next week.
As for the San Jose Sharks, they understand the situation, even sending out a letter to their fans this weekend.
The Sharks players understand the situation as well.
According to NHL Home Ice's Josh Rimer, Logan Couture is "close to signing a deal" with a team in Switzerland. Couture had been a major proponent all along of a move overseas if the lockout did in fact occur.
Following him will be Joe Thornton, who will also be playing in Switzerland, according to ESPN's Pierre Lebrun.
To round it out, Jason Demers is heading to Finland and Michal Handzus is heading to Slovakia, according to The Fourth Period.
Of all the moves, Demers playing in Finland will prove best for him.
Demers has struggled since becoming a relative mainstay on the Sharks' starting defensive pairings.
Coach Todd ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Scott Semmler
San Jose Sharks: Why Thornton, Couture Heading Overseas Is Best for the Team
September 17th, 2012 by Scott Semmler Leave a reply »
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