Lightning's Victor Hedman signs with the KHL during NHL lockout

With the NHL embroiled in a lockout, players are looking to find deals to play in other leagues across the globe. The latest move has the Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman heading to Russia to play in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Hedman signed a deal with Barys Astana and he will be in Russia on Friday, according to the Tampa Bay Times:

"He wants to play in the best league there is right now," agent Peter Wallen said of finding Hedman a place to play during the NHL lockout.

Hedman has been with the Lightning since 2009 and has 12 career goals to go along with 57 assists in his three years in Tampa Bay.

The only reason that Hedman was able to go to the KHL during the lockout was because he qualified under their strict guidelines for entry while the NHL players were locked out.