After multiple reports on Tuesday linked Jaroslav Halak to KHL club Spartak Moscow, the Blues goalie has decided to go another route.
Halak will join German second division team Lausitzer and will reportedly make his first start as early as Friday, according to player agent Allan Walsh.
With the move, Halak becomes the latest locked-out NHLer to try his hand in the Bundesliga. Other recent signess include Flyers defenseman Bruno Gervais, Blues forward Chris Stewart, Islanders forward Josh Bailey, Maple Leafs forward Clarke MacArthur and Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier.
Last year, Halak teamed with Brian Elliott to give St. Louis the best goaltending tandem in hockey. The pair combined to win the William Jennings Trophy (fewest goals allowed) while Halak finished sixth in save percentage (.924), fourth in goals against (1.97) and fifth in shutouts (six).
Halak got the call to start for St. Louis in its opening-round playoff series against San Jose, but only lasted two games before suffering an ankle injury that ended his postseason.
The injury was significant enough that its effects lingered until mid-July, possibly why the 27-year-old waited so long before signing with a European club.