Nashville Predators left wing Sergei KostitsynMark Humphrey/The Associated Press
Nashville Predators winger Sergei Kostitsyn, who joined Russian club Avangard Omsk during a work stoppage in the National Hockey League (NHL), hopes the lockout will lead to the cancellation of the entire season.
"Let's put it this way – it would be better (for the players) if the lockout continues," Kostitsyn was quoted as saying by Russian daily Sport-Express on Monday.
"Players want a definite answer. If the NHL season is lost – let it be that way. I would then play in Russia for the whole season."
The NHL postponed another week of regular-season games on Friday because of the ongoing labor dispute with players. The regular-season was originally set to start on Oct. 11 and the latest postponement effects a total of 135 games.
Kostitsyn, 25, who joined the Predators from the Montreal Canadiens in June 2010, also said he hated life in North America and labelled Columbus "the gloomiest" city in the States.
"I couldn't get used to (American) mentality. They are totally different people from us," said the Belarussian, who was twice suspended by the Canadiens in 2009 after failing to report to their minor league team in Hamilton.
Kostitsyn's elder brother Andrei also spent six seasons in Montreal before following his sibling to Nashville this year.