Photo credit: Derek Cain – Imagn Images.
A former Vancouver Canucks forward has been released from his contract overseas in Europe exactly four months after he put pen-to-paper on a multi-year deal.
15 months ago, after 170 games in the National Hockey League and nearly 300 in the American Hockey League, former Vancouver Canucks forward Nic Petan decided to head overseas and signed a one-year contract with KHL club AK-Bars Kazan.
Petan had a very successful season in Kazan, registering 44 points (11 goals, 33 assists) in 47 games, but wasn’t brought back by the club for the 2025-26 campaign, making him a free agent.
After considering his options this summer, with several clubs interested across Europe, Petan agreed to terms on a two-year deal with HC Ambri-Piotta of Switzerland’s National League.
Note: the quotes in this story are translated from Italian
“Hockey Club Ambri-Piotta is pleased to announce the signing of Canadian forward Nicolas Petan for the next two seasons. The Leventina club welcomes Nic and wishes him much success with the white and blue jersey.” Hockey Club Ambri-Piotta said in a press release this summer.
Former Vancouver Canucks forward Nic Petan released from contract overseas
Heading into the season, there was a plenty of excitement surrounding Petan’s arrival at the club, but after a slow start to the 2025-26 campaign, it looks like the two sides have decided to go their separate ways.
In a press release on their team website on Wednesday, HC Ambri-Piotta announced that Nic Petan asked to have his contract terminated for personal reasons and the club granted his request.
“The Ambri-Piotta Hockey Club announces that Canadian forward Nicolas Petan has expressed his desire to terminate his contract for personal reasons, and the club has accepted his request.
The Leventina club thanks Nic for his commitment and professionalism and wishes him good luck for the future.” HC Ambri-Piotta said.
Petan, a native of Delta, British Columbia, appeared in 15 games for the Swiss club this season where he put up four points (one goal, three assists), four penalty minutes and was a minus-13.
It’s unclear what comes next for Nic Petan, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return to the Kontinental Hockey League, potentially with AK-Bars Kazan, after the success he had there last season.
Previously on Canucks Daily