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The NHL owners officially locked out the players at midnight Saturday, and with no negotiations scheduled, players such as Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin and goaltender Michal Neuvirth are exploring their options overseas, an indication they dont expect the labor dispute to be settled any time soon.

Ovechkin, who has yet to sign a contract but has said he plans in Russias Kontinental Hockey League during the lockout, told Sovetsky Sport on Monday that he believes the NHL lockout could wipe out the entire season.

If the League [NHL] continues to insist on their [demands], then it will take a full year, Ovechkin told Pavel Lysenkov of Sovetsky Sport as translated by Yahoos Dmitry Chesnokov. Thats because we are not going to cave in. Then I will spend the entire season in the KHL. Its an absolute reality.

Ovechkin, who turned 27 Monday, has been outspoken about the NHLs labor negotiations in recent weeks, and if his characterization of NHLPA solidarity is accurate, the league could be in for another long work stoppage eight years after cancelling the entire 2004-05 season.

Ovechkin, who turned 27 Monday, likely will play for either Dynamo Moscow, his former club, or CSKA Moscow, where his friend and former Capitals teammate Sergei Fedorov serves as the general manager.

Neuvirth, 24, said he would have a contract to play in the Czech Extraliga by Tuesday. Patrik Stefan, Neuvirths agent, said that the goaltender plans to join his former team HC Sparta Praha.

Its a tough situation, Neuvirth said Monday after a workout with teammates in Arlington. For me, I just want to play. I think its going to be better to practice with a team, get some games. I would be happy if I could fly back in a couple weeks and get ready for the NHL season, but at this point Im looking forward to playing in Czech. Hopefully well all be back here soon.

Since the lockout began, roughly 30 NHL players have signed elsewhere, agreeing to contracts that include clauses that permit their returns to North America whenever the lockout ends. The vast majority of those who have signed are Europeans who can live and play in their home countries with relative ease, like Ovechkin and Neuvirth. But a few North American players are making the jump across the pond as well, perhaps a stronger signthat the NHL labor dispute will be prolonged.

According to multiple reports, San Joses Joe Thornton and the New York Rangers Rick Nash will sign with HC Davos in Switzerland, where both played during the 2004-05 lockout. San Joses Logan Couture is also close to signing in Switzerland, with HC Geneva.

While some players make arrangements to play elsewhere, a few continue to train in Washington despite being unable to use the teams private facilities.

Link:

Alex Ovechkin, others NHL players prepare to play in Europe with no end in sight to lockout