Things are *puts on cautious face* looking good in CBA talks, as the NHL and NHLPA have met at length several times in the last few days and are scheduled to do more as the week continues. But that's not stopping the flow of NHL players to Europe, and we can now add Max Talbot to the list.

Ilves in Finland's SM-liiga announced today that they're signed Talbot to a lockout contract. According to the Google translation of the report on Ilves' website, "Talbot is characterized as an excellent skater, as well as hard-mounted johtajatyypiksi." Sounds sexy.

No doubts about this signing, by the way. Here's Max in Finland, attempting to have a conversation with a Finn:

Talbot talked about the move, how Kimmo Timonen helped his decision, what kind of player he is -- defensive minded in the NHL but "I used to score some goals in juniors" -- and how he's been training since the lockout began.

Ilves isn't in action until Nov. 16, so ... well, who knows? Maybe he'll never even suit up over there.