Another Griffins Player Heading Overseas

Simek, 31, played with Liberec from 2012-17 prior to joining the San Jose Sharks. He spent most of the past seven seasons in the Sharks organization until he was dealt to Detroit at the NHL trade deadline for forward Klim Kostin.

“I had it in my head that I wanted to join the Tigers and I’m extremely happy that I’m coming back here after seven years,” Simek said on the Liberec web page. “I want to build on the performances I performed here before I left for America,”

He won a championship with the Liberec White Tigers in 2015-16. That spring, Simek was recognized as MVP of the Czech Extraliga playoffs.

“Radim Simek does not need a long introduction, Liberec coach Filip Pesan told the team’s website. “A great person and an excellent hockey player, a moral leader and a role model for our young players are coming to our organization.

“He made it to the NHL thanks to his excellent defensive play combined with offensive tastes, and I believe that we will see such hockey from Radim in a Tiger jersey again. I am glad that Radim will be a prominent face of our club for at least the next three years.”

Only Played 17 Games For Griffins

Simek was serving as captain of the AHL San Jose Barracuda at the time when the Sharks were dealing him to the Red Wings. Then he was given assignment to Grand Rapids.

With the Griffins, Simek saw duty in nine regular-season AHL games, collecting one assist. He accounted for two assists through eight games for Grand Rapids in the Calder Cup playoffs.

Simek would play 209 NHL games, all with the Sharks. He would never appear in a Red Wings uniform.