Winnipeg Jets forward Rasmus Kupari has opted to continue his professional career overseas.
On Tuesday morning, it was announced that the 25-year-old had signed a two-year deal to play in Switzerland for HC Lugano beginning next season.
Photo by Bob Kupbens/USA Today
“Rasmus has played his last five seasons in the NHL/AHL,” said Lugano GM Janick Steinmann through translation. “He’s a first-round draft pick and a strong skater with overall skills. In North America, he was often assigned more defensive roles, but here in Lugano, he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his two-way game. I’m confident that his skills will fit very well with the National League and that he’ll have a significant offensive impact as well. I’m extremely happy to welcome him to Lugano and to see his full potential”.
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Acquired alongside Gabe Vilardi, Alex Iafallo and a draft pick in the blockbuster trade with Los Angeles for Pierre-Luc Dubois, Kupari was not able to find a full-time role with the Jets, despite being one of the team’s fastest forwards.
He had just five goals and eight points in 59 games this season, a year to which he missed a considerable chunk of time with a concussion. He also missed time last year with an upper-body injury.
Kupari did not play in a single postseason game for Winnipeg this year or last.
Chosen 20th overall by L.A. in 2018, Kupari was unable to live up to the hype and will now look to resurrect his career closer to his native Finland.
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“I will try take next step on my career and I think Lugano is the best place to do it,” Kupari said through translation in the official HC Lugano release. “I will try to be leader on and off the ice. I’m going to bring my 60 meter game for the offensive and defensive game. My biggest strength as a player is definitely my skating”.
The Jets are expected to extend a qualifying offer Kupari’s way, retaining his rights as an NHL player should he consider coming back to North America.