Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell broke his own news when he tweeted late Tuesday that he’s headed overseas to play in Austria during the work stoppage.
“Tomorrow is the day I bring my skills overseas. #Austria,” he said on his @bbick29 account.
Bickell is the first Hawks player from North America to sign in Europe during the NHL’s lockout of players. He will play for HC Znojmo, a Czech Republic-based team playing in the Austrian League, his agent told the Sun-Times on Wednesday. His contract is month-to-month.
Bickell joins teammates Michael Frolik and Michal Rozsival in signing in Europe. They both signed in the Czech Republic. Viktor Stalberg also is practicing with a team in Sweden.
Bickell has only one year remaining on his three-contract with a salary of $600,000. He had 24 points in 71 games last season for the Hawks.