List Of NHL Players Signing In Europe

In the world of professional hockey, the National Hockey League (NHL) is the pinnacle of the sport. However, what happens when NHL players seek opportunities beyond the league’s borders?

This article delves into the journeys of several notable NHL players who have signed up to play in European hockey leagues. From Pavel Datsyuk’s storied career to Dmitrij Jaskin’s impressive KHL stint, let’s explore the fascinating world of NHL players in Europe.

Exploring the Path Less Taken

For some NHL players, their love for the game remains unwavering even after retiring from the league. Playing in smaller European leagues provides them with the opportunity to continue their careers and earn a living. Additionally, circumstances like lockouts and contract disputes can drive players to explore overseas options, making Europe an enticing destination.

European Connections

A significant number of NHL players hail from European countries such as Russia, Finland, Germany, and France. When faced with lockouts or other disruptions in North America, these players often return to their roots, competing in various European leagues. Some of the most sought-after destinations include:

SM-liiga in Finland

The Finnish SM-liiga is a popular choice among NHL players during lockouts. Its competitive level and proximity to Russia and Sweden make it an attractive option.

Slovak Extraliga in Slovakia

Slovakia boasts a passionate hockey fan base, and its Extraliga welcomes NHL talent during challenging times.

Swedish Hockey League in Sweden

Sweden’s SHL is known for its high-caliber play, drawing NHL stars looking to stay sharp during lockouts.

Czech Extraliga in the Czech Republic

With a rich hockey history, the Czech Extraliga is a natural choice for NHL players seeking European adventures.

Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany

Germany’s DEL provides a platform for NHL players to showcase their skills while enjoying the country’s culture.

ICE Hockey League in Austria

Austria’s ICE Hockey League is another appealing destination, offering competitive hockey and picturesque landscapes.

Notable NHL Players in Europe

Several prominent NHL players have ventured to Europe, leaving an indelible mark on the game. Here are a few noteworthy names:

Pavel Datsyuk

Pavel Datsyuk’s NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings spanned from 2001 to 2016. In 2017, he was recognized as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. Datsyuk secured two Stanley Cups with the Red Wings in 2002 and 2008 before returning to Russia to play in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). His time with SKA Saint Petersburg culminated in winning the Gagarin Cup in 2017. Datsyuk also captained the Russian ice hockey team to a gold medal victory in the 2018 Olympics.

Dmitrij Jaskin

Dmitrij Jaskin, a 2011 NHL Entry Draft pick by the St. Louis Blues, spent five seasons with the Blues and had stints with the Washington Capitals and Arizona Coyotes. In 2018, he decided to take a break from the NHL and signed with HC Dynamo Moscow in the KHL. Jaskin’s debut KHL season saw him achieve remarkable success, recording 63 points in 58 regular-season games, including 31 goals, setting a new franchise single-season record.

Navigating NHL Lockouts

NHL lockouts have been a source of frustration for fans and players alike. The 2012-13 lockout, stemming from a labor dispute between the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), led players to seek alternative playing opportunities. International players returned to their home countries, and AHL-eligible NHL players joined AHL clubs. Many experienced athletes found employment in European leagues, including the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (Germany), the Czech Extraliga (ELH), the Erste Bank Hockey League (Austria), and the Slovak Extraliga.

Benefits of Overseas Play

While NHL lockouts disrupted the league, they offered players valuable experiences and advantages:

Maturity and Experience

Young athletes had the chance to grow personally and professionally through overseas play, gaining exposure to diverse environments and cultures.

Returning Home

Playing in front of hometown crowds was a special privilege for NHL stars, reconnecting them with their roots.

Staying in Peak Condition

Maintaining physical fitness and honing skills are essential in hockey. Overseas play allowed players to stay in shape and ready for their return to the NHL.

NHL Players by Country

The NHL’s global appeal extends to players from various countries. Here’s a glimpse of European players in the NHL:

Russia

• Alexander Ovechkin
• Evgeni Malkin

Germany

• Leon Draisaitl

France

• Pierre-Edouard Bellemare

Switzerland

• Roman Josi
• Nino Niederreiter

Austria

• Andre Burakovsky

Sweden

• Nicklas Backstrom

Finland

• Aleksander Barkov

Czech Republic

• Jakub Voracek
• David Krejci

Slovenia

• Anze Kopitar

Norway

• Mats Zuccarello

While Canadian and American players dominate the NHL, players from Sweden, Russia, and Finland continue to make significant contributions to the league.

Sweden: A Hockey Powerhouse

Sweden has a strong presence in the NHL, with 10.1% of active players hailing from the country. Notable Swedish players include Nicklas Bäckström, Erik Karlsson, and Victor Hedman.

Russia’s Impact

Russian players constitute 5.9% of the NHL player pool. Alexander Ovechkin, in particular, has made a name for himself as the captain of the Washington Capitals.

Finland’s Rising Stars

Finland contributes 5.2% of NHL players, with talents like Aleksander Barkov and Mikko Rantanen making waves in the league.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NHL players exploring opportunities in European leagues provide an intriguing narrative in the world of hockey. Whether driven by lockouts or personal motivations, these players continue to captivate fans on both sides of the Atlantic, contributing to the global appeal of the sport.