NHL lockout 2012: Ryan McDonagh headed to KHL

New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh has signed with HC Barys Astana of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). McDonagh becomes the third Ranger to play overseas during the NHL lockout. Forward Rick Nash is playing in Switzerland for Davos and forward Carl Hagelin is playing in Sweden.

McDonagh, 23, notched 32 points for the Rangers last season, scoring seven goals and adding 25 assists. He posted a +/- of 25 and spent 44 minutes in the penalty box. He added four assists during the 2012 postseason for the Rangers. McDonagh will join Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman with Barys. McDonagh is expected to leave New York on Tuesday and arrive in Kazakhstan in time for Barys next game on Friday, Oct. 12.

The NHL and NHLPA have been at a standstill since the lockout was enacted on Sept. 15, but the two sides are scheduled to meet Oct. 10 and 11.