Playing in Europe: Pro or Con?

[It's a Canadian Game]

Since the lockout has started an influx of NHLers have flocked to Europe to play hockey in various leagues including the KHL and elitle leagues in Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, and more. For many die hard hockey fans this is the next best thing because at least then they will still have the opportunity to watch their favourite players this season. However, others are starting to get the feeling that once the lockout ends many players may decide to stay and play in Europe. So, what do you think?

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[hf101]

Welcome to HF.net

I believe the contracts signed in Europe are temporary and that as soon as the CBA is signed the players will return to the NHL. Most players are having to cover their own insurance and are receiving much less pay than their contracts in the NHL.

[It's a Canadian Game]

Yea the contracts for playing overseas allow so that as soon as a new CBA is reached the players can return to their NHL clubs with no hesitation. However, if the new CBA decides to cut the wages of the contracts players have already signed and for European players getting the chance to play closer to home you might see many players decide to stay in Europe instead of coming back. Also, it must feel nicer playing under a league that seems to have all its politics in place.

This is what Ilya Bryzgalov who is playing in Moscow of the KHL thinks many Russian players may end up doing. The NHL better think hard and quickly if they want to keep their big stars on North American soil.

[hf101]

Maybe some (hopefully Bryz) will choose to stay. ha.

But the main reason most play in the NHL is for a chance to win the Stanley Cup and it is the best hockey league in the world, a few players deciding to stay in Europe won't change that.

[flyercanuck]

If you're one of the best players in the world, don't you want to play against the best? That's in the NHL. That's why they're there in the first place.

Welcome to the board.

(Your avatar makes me want to headbutt you)

[sarsippius]

How many NHLers in Europe are getting paid a salary that is competitive with what they're making here, rollback or not? How about length of contract, guaranteed money etc? I don't know all the answers, but my guess is the money is better here than what most players will be offered on the other side of the pond, and this is where the best competition is.

My biggest concern is a guy like Giroux going to Germany to stay fresh and make a couple dollars, getting injured by guy with no NHL level skills trying to make a name for himself.

Edit- If the question is should they be ALLOWED to, well that's an obvious yes. As of now none of them jobs and are free to seek employment.

[It's a Canadian Game]

In regards to saying what if Giroux gets injured, I guess that is part of the risk of them going and actually Rick Nash last week got slammed into the boards in a game and they feared he might have hit his head hard and possibly may have gotten concussed. Luckily it turns out that he only hurt his shoulder, but to think what could have been had he actually received a severe concussion.

[idahophilly]

Players get hurt working out in the Gym. Mezaros did. Let them play in Europe. The NHL turned their back on them so it's fair for the players to turn their backs on the NHL.