Screen Shot 2012-09-26 at 9.53.08 AMMust-watch video after the jump

And slowly, our stars leave for lands with poor competition and sketchy airplanes.

Claude Giroux may be the latest casualty of the NHL lockout. The NHL 13 cover boy told the Ottawa Sun yesterday that he is getting bored with working out and may head to a land far, far away… making us all sad: [Ottawa Sun]

“I’m getting a little bored here just working out,” said the 24-year-old Giroux, who has risen to elite status as a winger with the Philadelphia Flyers. “I kind of want to play games … get that rush of playing in hockey games.

“I want to make sure I’m in good shape, so I think it’s a good option for me to go and play somewhere. I’m talking to my agent to see where I could go. I want to play some good, quality hockey.”

 

This isn’t surprising, but it’s concerning. Players like Jakub Voracek, Wayne Simmonds and Ilya Bryzgalov have already taken their talents elsewhere. Giroux would just be the latest. The problem is that playing in Europe or, specifically, Russia means taking part in systems where medical care and travel, for sports teams, aren’t as reliable. Granted, it’s not like players are in danger, but these are guys the Flyers have millions invested in, and the team can do nothing to protect or look after them. From a hockey standpoint it’s concerning… from a business standpoint it’s scary. What if Bryz rips his groin to shreds playing in Russia? What if Giroux gets knocked in the head, but because of fewer mandates, keeps playing with a concussion? Those are real things. They can happen. You can’t blame the players for wanting to play and stay sharp (and get paid– though guys like Bryz don’t need a dime), but you can blame another lockout for forcing us to talk and think about this crap.

Of course, we get this video, Things You Won’t Hear During the NHL Lockout, which you can watch after the jump.

H/T to (@aSolar_ski)