Corey Locke

Citing a European hockey webzine as its source, RDS reports that Corey Locke is being courted by a Swiss team, the Kloten Flyers.

Locke, who's from Toroonto and turned 24 last month, was the Canadiens' fourth-round draft choice, 113th overall, in 2003 after he scored 63 goals and 88 assists for the Ottawa 67s. His total of 151 points topped the CHL and he was named Player of the Year.

How did he slip to the fourth round? Size ... or lack of it. Locke is 5-9 and weighs 170.

Locke has played four seasons in Hamilton, where he scored 30 goals and added 42 assists in 2007-'08. Canadiens recalled him briefly in January, and Locke played one game against the visiting Blackhawks.

Locke was a key element in the Bulldogs' 2007 march to the Calder Cup. He scored 10 goals and added 12 assists in 22 playoff games.

On Friday, the Canadiens announced that forward Corey Locke had been returned to the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs. Locke made his NHL debut during Tuesday night's game against Chicago, playing just under six minutes and finishing at minus-1. But he was a healthy scratch on Thursday in Boston with the return of centre Bryan Smolinski.

In Sunday's Gazette, John Meagher reports that Locke has reported with a good attitude – and his equipment – and is eager for another chance with the Habs.