After failing to latch on with an NHL club — most notably, the New Jersey Devils — Petr Sykora is headed back to Europe.
On Monday, Swiss club SC Bern announced they signed the 36-year-old winger for the remainder of the season.
A two-time Stanley Cup winner that scored 21 goals and 44 points with the Devils a year ago, Sykora said he felt confident about landing an NHL gig this year, telling the Newark Star-Ledger he had one lined up if things with New Jersey didn’t work out.
Sykora didn’t go to camp with the Devils but remainder in contact with the club and GM Lou Lamoriello throughout.
The two sides have an extensive history with one another — it was Lamoriello who offered Sykora a chance to return to the NHL after he spent the 2010-11 season split between the Czech Extraliga and KHL.
With Bern, Sykora will join journeyman Byron Ritchie as one of the few players with extensive NHL experience.
-
Getty Images
“That’s the way he plays.”
-
Getty Images
It would cost them $24 million over 14 years.
-
AP
Cue the buyout speculation.
-
Enroth ‘ready’ to take Sabres starting goalie gig: ‘I want to play more’
May 23, 2013, 11:34 AM EDT
Getty Images
Will he be challenging Ryan Miller for it?
-
The home of the Oilers’ AHL affiliate.
-
He’s frustrated nothing got done in Calgary.
-
Getty Images
The big unveiling will be on June 4.
-
Getty Images
He constructed the silver medal-winning team at the 2010 games in Vancouver.
-
AP
“It’s been pretty quiet for a while now.”
-
“(Gillis’) fault all the way.”
-
Getty Images
Additionally, Chicago will play Detroit and the Kings will host the Sharks.
-
Getty Images
Thursday’s collection of links
-
Getty Images
They rank first and second in shorthanded goals in the 2013 playoffs.
-
It initially made it look like he suffered an injury.
-
AHL Bruins blow 3-0 series lead against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
May 22, 2013, 11:40 PM EDT
Getty Images
Trent Whitfield has now been on the wrong end of history twice.
-
Video: Sens coach won’t take questions, refers press to game sheet
May 22, 2013, 10:59 PM EDT
John Tortorella would be proud.
-
Getty Images
The Penguins “have too much depth.”
-
Getty Images
Ottawa’s strong first period was wasted.
-
Report: NHLPA director Fehr wants to address issue of fighting
May 22, 2013, 9:02 PM EDT
Getty Images
He’s been reaching out to agents and players.
-
Mike Halford and Jason Brough tackle that question.
