San Jose Sharks: Following the Players Overseas During NHL Lockout

Scott SemmlerJun 7, 2018

The San Jose Sharks have been one of the more active teams since the NHL lockout began.

Joe Thornton quickly made the jump to his wife's native Switzerland to play for HC Davos with friend and recent New York Rangers addition Rick Nash.

Logan Couture did the same, making his first jump to Europe and signing with Geneve-Servette.

Jason Demers went and signed with Finland, Michal Handzus is in Slovakia and Douglas Murray was the latest to sign overseas. He is headed to Switzerland to sign with Djurgarden.

Also, Tommy Wingels recently signed with a team in Finland called Kookoo.

Martin Havlat recently made some comments, as well, on the current lockout issue.

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“We’re not shocked at being called ‘cattle,’” Havlat said. “I can tell you the players have been called a lot worse by some of the guys on the other side. It’s just never been reported publicly. I think it helps that the fans get to hear what we already know. We’re not humans in their eyes; we’re just pieces of meat that get to eat some grass for awhile.”
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Havlat is overseas, but has not signed with a team as of yet.

Here is how the Sharks are doing in Europe during the lockout.

Joe Thornton

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As mentioned, Thornton is currently with HC Davos in Switzerland where he has teamed up with friend Rick Nash.

The two players did not waste any time making an impression overseas.

Nash scored a hat trick in the first game the two played for HC Davos, with Thornton tallying four assists that included all three Nash goals.

Thornton also scored his first goal for HC Davos on September 28.

Logan Couture

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Logan Couture is was one of the first players to sign in Europe after the lockout began and is currently with Geneve-Servette.

According to ESPN.com, he is doing just fine.

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"The hockey is pretty good," Couture said. "Some good skill, and the Swiss players can all skate very well."
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Couture also met up with Sharks teammate Joe Thornton in a game last week between Geneva and HC Davos.

Couture's Geneva won, continuing its undefeated start to the season.

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"It was fun. I honestly didn’t realize how big he was until I played against him," Couture told ESPN.com via email Monday. "Huge man with great skill. Got to talk to him after. He's enjoying it once again!"
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In 10 games for Geneve-Servette, Couture has three points and seven assists for 10 points.