KHL: Ex-Barys forward Novotny signs with HC Lokomotiv

The ex-Barys Astana player signed a two-year contract with the Russian club after the year remaining on his contract with Lev had been terminated. "We had an agreement with Jiri in place, where after two years if he received any offers that interested him, we would not prevent him from leaving. Jiri played great last year and has a lot of work for our club over the past two seasons, and that is why we have now agreed to accommodate him. We wish him well in moving forward," said athletic director Rashid Khabibulin. The Czech spent two great seasons with Astana's Barys in 2010-2012 and die-hard Novotny fans hoped he would return to the team, however, it did not happen.