Montreal Canadiens: Who Is Playing Where Right Now?

March 17th, 2012; Montreal, QC, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov (79) during the 2nd period against the New York Islanders at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-US PRESSWIRE

Two weeks ago our staff writer Josh D made some guess as to where Montreal’s roster players would be playing during the lockout.

As of today, most of the team’s healthy roster players have found a team to play with, be it the Czech Extraligia, the Swiss NLA or the most popular option, the Player’s Tournament being held in the province of Quebec.

Here is your handy reference for which Hab is playing where currently.

Of those healthy, only Carey Price, PK Subban, Ryan White and Peter Budaj have not joined an organization to play/practice with. Subban, Price, White and Cole seem likely candidates to join the Player’s Tournament if it continues, Budaj may go to the Slovak league or KHL. Markov is rumoured to be looking at joining a Russian KHL team if the lockout is on going.

NB: Remember that the domestic player rules that govern most European professional leagues make it so that it is much more worthwhile for a Euro pro team to get a player native to the country in which their team plays rather than an foreign player. Which is why we see lesser talents like Weber and Diaz to easily join teams in the Swiss league, whereas its usually only NHL stars like Pacioretty that are worth importing for the uncertain amount of time locked-out NHL player is available. So its easier for Markov to find a KHL team than Gorges would for example.