Sidney Crosby closer to playing in Europe

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby says he's closer to writing off the NHL season and committing to playing in Europe as the lockout drags on.

Crosby told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Monday he's thinking more intently about joining an overseas team after collective bargaining talks to end the 9-week-old lockout by NHL owners seem no closer to a resolution.

"You know what? It's a lot more possible right now," Crosby told the newspaper. "I probably hadn't thought about it quite as much as I have the past few days.

"It's definitely been something ... with the way things are looking now, it's not looking too good."

The Penguins superstar has warned since the beginning of the lockout he'd look to Europe if too much of the season is canceled. The league has already wiped out all games through Dec. 15 and the entire 2012-13 season is now hanging in the balance.

Crosby agent Pat Brisson indicated he has been in contact with several teams in Russia and Switzerland.

"I don't know, specifically, if I've gotten to that point where I'm looking at (particular) teams, but I think I'm more or less thinking that playing is becoming a little more and more important here, the longer we go," Crosby said.