More NHL players head to European leagues

TORONTO -- Maple Leafs defenseman Bryan McCabe, Chicago center Tyler Arnason, Columbus defenseman Anders Eriksson, and Phoenix defensemen Brad Ference and Paul Mara signed Friday to play in Europe during the NHL lockout.

There are now 236 NHL players who have gone to Europe during the labor dispute, the International Ice Hockey Federation said. The Czech league leads the way with 53 of the NHL's 750 players. Sweden is next with 46 players, followed by Russia with 42.

McCabe, who joined HV71 in Sweden, had 16 goals and 37 assists in 75 games with Toronto last season. Eriksson also signed with HV71 after scoring seven goals and adding 20 assists in 66 games with Columbus.

Arnason signed with Brynas in Sweden after a season in which he had a career-high 55 points (22 goals, 33 assists) for the Blackhawks.

Ference signed with Morzine-Avoriaz in France, while his teammate Mara agreed to terms with the Hannover Scorpions in Germany.

Ference had five assists in 63 games with Phoenix. Mara had six goals and 36 assists in 81 games.