The 2012 NHL Lockout continues for a ninth day, with no signs of it relenting any time soon. That being noted, it came to light this morning, via Slava Malamud of Russian website Sport Express that the first player off the Tampa Bay Lightning roster has signed a deal to play overseas. Defenseman Victor Hedman opted not to go back to Sweden, but instead signed with Kazakhstan based Barys Astana of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Tampa Bay Times beat writer Damian Cristodero got confirmation from Hedman’s agent about the signing. Hedman is expected to report to Astana on Friday.

Other players, such as center Steven Stamkos and right-wing Martin St. Louis are supposed to have offers already on the table for them to join European clubs. St. Louis has stated that he’ll wait until October to make a decision on where he’ll go.

Bolt Prospects plans to feature Hedman’s play results in their game-night recaps, so keep an eye on things over there