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Professional hockey

NHL Lockout Forces Players to Seek Opportunities Abroad

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

With the NHL lockout in its 16th day, several players are seeking opportunities to play in other leagues around the world. Jari Kurri, a forward-defenceman for the Los Angeles Kings, will return to his native Finland to play in the Finnish League, while Peter Forsberg, a highly acclaimed rookie of the Quebec Nordiques, is expected to join his old team MoDo in the Swedish Elite League within the week. Marty McSorley, another Kings veteran, is close to a deal with the Las Vegas Thunder of the International Hockey League and could play as early as tomorrow night.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jari Kurri will leave the Los Angeles Kings to play in the Finnish League, citing a need to "keep playing at this stage of my career" despite the NHL lockout.
  • Peter Forsberg is expected to join his old team MoDo in the Swedish Elite League within the week, having received permission from the Quebec Nordiques to play in Sweden during the lockout.
  • Marty McSorley is close to a deal with the Las Vegas Thunder of the International Hockey League, which would pay him in the $100,000-a-year range, making him one of the league's highest salaried players.
  • The Dallas Stars have sent right winger Jarkko Varvio to HPK of the Finnish league, where he is likely to be recalled once the labour dispute is settled.
  • The NHL's work stoppage has reached 16 days, with 89 games postponed, and no new negotiations planned between the league and the NHL Players' Association.
  • The league has announced that a formal policy regarding ticket refunds would be issued on November 1 if no contract is reached by then.

Statistics:

  • 89 games have been postponed due to the NHL lockout.
  • 16 days into the lockout, with 89 games postponed.
  • Marty McSorley would be paid approximately $100,000 per year with the Las Vegas Thunder.
  • Jarkko Varvio will play for HPK of the Finnish league for the duration of the lockout.
  • No new negotiations planned between the NHL and the NHL Players' Association during the lockout.

Sources:

  • Associated Press

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