Vancouver Canucks forward and NHLPA negotiator Manny Malhotra has no problem with players locked out by the NHL going to Europe and securing employment while awaiting a solution, despite the fact that other hockey players will be displaced by their arrival.

Malhotra, who played in Sweden during the 2004-05 lockout, sees the situation as the evolution of what hockey players are brought up to do…compete and win the job regardless of the consequence.

Malhotra agreed that the process of going to Europe is a survival of the fittest mentality and applauds his fellow union members for going to Europe and keeping their skills sharp so that when the lockout ends they are ready to play. Malhotra and the dozen or so Canucks remaining in town will continue to work out and skate at UBC on Monday.