Bruce Fedyck-US PRESSWIRE
On Monday, Philadelphia Flyers‘ winger, Jakub Voracek, announced that he was headed overseas to play in the KHL. Voracek decided to take a temporary deal with HC Lev Praha, who are located in his home country.
HC Lev Praha are located in Prague, Czech Republic. They are making their first appearance in the KHL this 2012-2013 season.
Voracek also had a standing offer from former NHL teammate, now Dallas Stars‘ forward, Jaromir Jagr. Jagr owns HC Kladno, which is a team in the Czech Extraliga, and his father serves as the general manager. Voracek would have had a chance to play alongside Tomas Plekanec, a forward for the Montreal Canadiens, if he had signed with HC Kladno.
Voracek was drafted as the 7th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Last season, Voracek was acquired in the trade that sent Jeff Carter to the Blue Jackets. In 78 games for the Flyers, Voracek recorded 49 points, which is one away from tying a career high (he played 81 games that season). Voracek also had career highs in goals (18), shots (190), plus/minus (+11), and tied a career high for game-winning goals (2). As a result of the great 2011-2012 season, the Flyers signed Voracek to a 4-year, $17 million contract.
Voracek was the likely candidate to fill the void left by Jagr’s departure on the first line. With the amount of knowledge and experience that he learned while playing and practicing with Jagr, Voracek was in store for a break out season with the Flyers. If the NHL Lockout ends prematurely and if there is a shortened season, then the overseas playing time for Voracek could pay big dividends for the Flyers.
David A. Cattai is the Featured Writer for the Philadelphia Flyers with Rant Sports & Featured Beat Writer covering the Philadelphia Phillies for Buzz On Broad.
Follow me on Twitter @DCattaiSports for all Flyers, Phillies, NHL, and MLB sports updates.
