The Swedish Elite League won’t accept locked-out NHLers

Aug 23, 2012, 11:42 AM EDT

According to IIHF communications director Szymon Szemberg, the Swedish Elite League isn’t about to turn itself into a temporary refuge for locked-out NHL players.

Swedish league decided today it will not accept any short-term contracts of locked-out NHLers. Players can only sign for minumum 1 season.
—
Szymon Szemberg (@Sz1909_Szemberg) August 23, 2012

This means that SWE league will not sign any locked-out NHLers under contract as no one can commit for a full season in Europe.
—
Szymon Szemberg (@Sz1909_Szemberg) August 23, 2012

It’s not clear if the SEL’s stance would change should the NHL season be canceled. Hopefully, we won’t have to find out.

Skip to Comments (8)

« Newer Bettman and Fehr address media, don’t provide much hope for “world’s greatest fans”

Older » NHL, NHLPA met this morning…but not for long

More ProHockeyTalk

Back to Homepage

8 Comments (Feed for Comments)

elemeno89 - Aug 23, 2012 at 1:44 PM

if there is a lockout, the players should set up some nasty beer leagues where the teams play against each other anyways. quarter schedule, only inter division play to lower costs, crappy trophies, every team makes a playoff appearance.

im sure a few rinks would love to host the games and fans would pay to see some play.
- freneticgarfieldfan - Aug 23, 2012 at 5:26 PM
  
  that would be THE chance for TOR to make the playoff
- ray2013 - Aug 23, 2012 at 5:36 PM
  
  I like the idea. Kind of like how NBA players set up exhibitions so that they’d stay in shape and get some competition in while they wait for a deal to be done.
  - danphipps01 - Aug 23, 2012 at 7:55 PM
    
    And it makes the owners look even worse. Imagine the media reaction to the players hosting exhibition games for free while the owners sit and whine about how they don’t make enough money. As if the owners weren’t already under fire from all sides, eh? That would be a fantastic message for the players to send –
    “Don’t believe us when we say it’s about playing hockey? Here, come out and watch some exhibition games on us.”
  - ray2013 - Aug 23, 2012 at 9:41 PM
    
    To be honest, I’d rather not find out. But if they do get locked out for an extended period, this could be a good idea.
  - danphipps01 - Aug 23, 2012 at 11:32 PM
    
    Agreed. I don’t want it either, but if it happens… hey, hockey’s hockey and whatever puts more pressure on the owners is fine by me.
kingfooj - Aug 23, 2012 at 2:18 PM

Wouldn’t be suprised is some guys sign overseas for a whole year regardless if the nhl comes back or not, theres so much drama going on over here and its not like guys havent been going over as it is. No bueno
- Kristenaux - Aug 23, 2012 at 3:10 PM
  
  some leagues there will not accept them. But watch how quickly contracts get signed here when players learn of this!