Antropov, Handzus, McKenna join NHL brethren in Europe

TORONTO -- Toronto's Nik Antropov, Philadelphia's Michal Handzus and Pittsburgh's Steve McKenna became the latest NHL players to head to Europe during the lockout.

The signings Wednesday brought the number of NHL players in Europe to 231, the International Ice Hockey Federation said. The Czech league leads the way with 53 of the NHL's 750 players. Sweden is next at 43 players, followed by Russia at 42.

Antropov joined Ak Bars Kazan in Russia. The center had 13 goals and 18 assists in 62 games with the Maple Leafs last season.

Handzus, a center, signed with Zvolen in his native Slovakia. He is coming off a year in which he had a career-high 58 points (20 goals, 38 assists) for the Flyers.

McKenna joined Nottingham in Britain. The enforcer had a goal and two assists and 85 penalty minutes in 49 games last season for the Penguins.