A major beneficiary of this has been the Kontinental Hockey League. The rules of singing a contract with the KHL change during an NHL lockout; players still under NHL contract are permitted to sign there for no more than 65% of what they would be paid under their existing contracts, and the KHL must provide them a “get-out” clause in the event that the NHL lockout is resolved while they are playing overseas. This allows them to still earn millions of dollars and play in a professional league while the NHL is out of session–not a bad deal by any means.

Saying that the leagues have limited spots.

Theres no question that SOME(Few?) will make more $$$ but not close to their NHL salary. But for the majority it is definitely limited.

Saying that Axe makes a very good point.

The rich NHL skilled players play in Europe while the "lesser-skilled" guys stay here and support the union and their strike cause. No pay cheque for them though nor for the guys who lose their jobs in Europe while NHL players take their roster spot.

So true. What a sad world we live in.