San Jose Sharks Players React to 2012 NHL Lockout

Twelve days into the 2012 NHL owners' lockout, players are now looking for ways to keep busy, as several San Jose Sharks have taken their talents to European hockey clubs.

Douglas Murray has gone to Sweden and signed with his hometown club, Djurgarden IF. Jason Demers has signed with Finland's Karpat Oulu. Joe Thornton has gone to the Swiss league, joining fellow Team Canada forward Rick Nash on HC Davos. Logan Couture is close to a deal with another Swiss team.

Martin Havlat and Michal Handzus are also close to deals, and Havlat has taken to vocalizing his disgust with the NHL and the owners. In response to Jimmy Devellano's comments from Sept. 21, Martin Havlat stated via Twitter (h/t Puck Daddy):

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The comments made by Devellano are nothing new. The players know that's how Bettman and some of the owners think, we're not shocked at being called 'cattle'. 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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Other Sharks have joined Havlat in speaking out. Dan Boyle said in an interview with Kevin Kurz that he was not surprised at the NHL's stalling of negotiations:

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No I'm not [surprised]. The information I've gotten is [the NHL is] saying they want to negotiate, but everything we're hearing is the complete opposite....I think they want us to miss some paychecks, is what I think. For them, I guess they figure they don't have to pay us right now, so they've got nothing to gain by settling this thing.

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Everyone is hoping this lockout ends soon, but at least some key Sharks are keeping busy—or at least voicing their frustrations.