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Former First-Round Pick Suddenly Leaves the Winnipeg Jets and Signs Overseas

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 10:35 AM ET

A former first-round pick and restricted free agent of the Jets, Rasmus Kupari, has decided to leave the NHL and head overseas to sign in Switzerland.

Winnipeg Jets winger Rasmus Kupari has signed a two-year agreement with HC Lugano of Switzerland, the club announced Tuesday.

'Rasmus has played his last five seasons in the NHL and AHL,' said Lugano GM Janick Steinmann. 'He's a first-line forward, a good skater with important qualities in every area of the rink. In North America, he has often been assigned more defensive roles, but with us he will be able to assert his skills as a two-ways player. I am convinced that his qualities adapt very well to the National League and he will also have a strong impact offensively. I am extremely happy to have him with us in Lugano and to be able to observe all his potential.'

The 25-year-old restricted free agent appeared in 59 games for the Jets this year with five goals and eight points. He sat out a good chunk of the season following a concussion and missed the playoffs.

'I will try take next step on my career and I think Lugano is the best place to do it,' Kupari said in a statement released Swiss club. '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'.

Kupari was part of the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade between the Jets and Kings

Kupari was originally selected 20th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He was traded to Winnipeg in 2023 as part of the Pierre-Luc Dubois compensation.

During his 217 games in the NHL, Kupari had 14 goals and 38 points. Kupari was born in Kotka, Finland. He was going to become arbitration-eligible this summer following the expiration of a two-year, $2 million contract with Winnipeg.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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