Finnish Jet for Lugano - Rasmus Kupari joins

HC Lugano has announced the signing of Rasmus Kupari. Previously a member of the Winnipeg Jets, the forward agreed to a two-year deal with the National League club. It will be the Finn's first time playing back in Europe after leaving for North America in 2019.

"I believe Lugano is the ideal place to take the next step in my career", the 25-year-old states. "I want to be a leader on and off the ice and bring my game to the entire rink, both defensively and offensively."

Making his first games in men's hockey with Kärpät in 2017, Kupari attracted enough attention from overseas to be selected 20th overall in the 2018 entry draft by the Los Angeles Kings. Over the next years, he made his way from the AHL to more regular appearances in the NHL with the Kings. In 2023, as part of the slightly infamous Pierre-Luc Dubois trade, he was sent to Winnipeg.

"I am convinced that his qualities are a great fit for the National League and that he will also have a strong offensive impact", team manager Janick Steinmann comments on his new hire. "I am extremely happy to have him here with us in Lugano and to be able to watch him reach his full potential."