If the NHL eventually locks out players to begin the 2012-13 season, Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp would consider playing in Europe, as Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune writes. Sharp isn't sure what he would do if he's not able to play for the Blackhawks, but he wouldn't necessarily stay in the United States:
If (Europe) needs to be an option, certainly. I grew up dreaming of playing in the NHL and I love playing for the Hawks so that’s obviously the first choice, (but) if it comes to that then that’s always an option. I feel like you have to play somewhere... (But) right now, my focus is playing for the Blackhawks and supporting my union.
With many players expressing concern that the lengthy time off could deplete their skills, leagues around the world become appealing as short-term alternatives. Dave Bolland and Jamal Mayers are among the other players that discussed the possibility of Europe, but ultimately playing in the NHL is the ideal scenario for most players.
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