A dateline out of Prague followed by Brian Salcido’s name, as well as this rough translation (thanks to The NHL Arena) is adequate indication that the defenseman has signed in the Czech Extraliga.

Salcido was a fifth-round draft pick by the Ducks in 2005. A consistent offensive-minded defenseman at the American Hockey League, Salcido’s defensive shortcomings were enough to keep him from landing a job in Anaheim. In four professional seasons, the Hermosa Beach native appeared in two games with the Ducks in February 2009, recording one assist.

The 25-year-old was re-signed for a year after his entry-level deal expired in 2009, and became an unrestricted free agent July 1. Last season, when the Ducks didn’t have their own AHL affiliate, he recorded eight goals and 18 points in 68 regular-season games for the Manitoba Moose. He also had one assist in six playoff games for the Moose.

HC Sparta Prague plays in the highest league in the Czech Republic, which the IIHF recently rated the third-strongest league in Europe.