Lightning G prospect Jaroslav Janus signs tryout contract with KHL's HC Slovan

Lightning goaltending prospect Jaroslav Janus has signed a tryout contract with HC Slovan, a KHL team based in Bratislava, Slovakia. The move was reported last week on the team's web site. The Lightning confirmed the contract on Monday.

Janus, 22, a restricted free agent who found himself the odd mad out of Tampa Bay's plan to play Dustin Tokarski and Riku Helenius next season at AHL Syracuse, was given permission to play in Europe, though the Lightning retains his North American rights.

Janus, a Slovakian-born 2009 sixth-round draft pick by the Lightning, was 23-8-2 with a 2.36 goals-against average and .914 save percentage in 34 games last season for AHL Norfolk.

Lightning assistant general manager Julien BriseBois has said the organization believes Janus is "someone who might play in the NHL" and "someone we're still interested in working with."

Of Janus playing in Europe, BriseBois added:"We get to follow him for a year and reevaluate where everyone stands a year from now."