It appears the Swiss National League will soon benefit from the NHL lockout.
According to various sources, New York Islanders captain Mark Streit and San Jose’s leading goalscorer, Logan Couture, have both agreed to join Swiss league teams.
Streit will join SC Bern, his hometown club (Streit was born in Bern, the fourth largest city in Switzerland.)
It’s an interesting decision given the 34-year-old rearguard has suited up for a number of Swiss league teams, but never with Bern (at the pro level) — he’s played for Fribourg-Gotteron, Davos, Ambri-Piotta and ZSC Zurich, the latter occurring during the 2004-05 lockout.
Streit has one season remaining on the five-year, $20.5 million deal he signed with the Isles in 2008. In 2011-12, he became the first Swiss-born captain in NHL history.
As for Couture, David Pollak of the Mercury News confirmed reports that a deal is close to being finalized with Geneve-Servette HC.
Based out of Geneva, the Servette team has a number of familiar NHL names on it: Brian Pothier, Rico Fata, Dan Fritsche and Cody Almond, to name a few.
Couture is the second Sharks player to ink a deal overseas. According to Juha Hiitela of Finnish news outlet Ilta-Sanomat, defenseman Jason Demers has agreed to play for SM-liiga outfit Karpat.
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The coach already had him pick as Plan B if Marian Hossa couldn’t play.
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Blackhawks coach knows his team has to improve in those areas.
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Stemming from his arrest in 2011.
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“I’ve got a nice little scratch mark on my forehead from the claw marks.”
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23-year-old defenseman had six goals in the playoffs.
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26-year-old made his NHL debut last season.
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But will they stay?
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Could an NHL team one day call it home?
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Sharks, Couture reportedly agree to five-year, $30 million extension
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As per TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
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He’s still “day-to-day” with his injury.
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He’s been given permission to seek employment elsewhere.
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“We don’t care about calling certain guys superstars on our team,” said the coach.
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Hey, he did take two weeks off.
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The Isles are one team that’s reportedly interested.
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Former North Dakota standout was a 2009 Panthers draftee.
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The No. 2 overall pick at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft is ready to go.
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Former ‘Hawks assistant takes over the Caps’ minor-league team.
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They’ll suit up for AK Bars Kazan next season.
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Datsyuk announces three-year, $22.5 million extension with Red Wings
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Detroit has its core players locked up.
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They’re just two wins away from their second championship in the last three seasons.
