 Podkonický then moved to Europe and played for HIFK in Finland's SM-liiga, HC Slovan Bratislava in the Slovak Extraliga and the Iserlohn Roosters in Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga.He signed with the Washington Capitals in 2003 and was assigned to the AHL's Portland Pirates, playing just two games for the Capitals.Podkonický then moved back to the Czech Republic and signed for HC Bílí Tygři Liberec.