HC Lugano and Michael Joly part ways effective immediately

Despite an agreement valid until the end of the upcoming 2025-26 season, Michael Joly will not continue to play for HC Lugano. The Bianconeri have terminated the contract with the 30-year-old, who thus leaves Lugano after two seasons. HC Lugano now has five imports under contract, two defenders and three forwards.

Steinmann believes the roster needs another type of player: "To build a new culture within the team, my role requires me also to make decisions, such as this one, that can be difficult. However, I must do it in the best interest of the team and the club. I have great respect for Michael's offensive qualities and his person, and I wish him well in his career. But, when I imagine the HC Lugano of the future that I am trying to design, I don't see how his way of playing can fit."

In two seasons with the Bianconeri, Joly scored 35 goals and collected 49 assists in 97 games, making him the second-best scorer on the team in 2023-24 and the third-best this past season.