Janick Steinmann Backs Rasmus Kupari's One-Year HC Lugano Extension — Winnipeg Jets
Rasmus Kupari extended his stay with hc lugano after finishing the first year of a two-year deal, keeping the 25-year-old forward in Switzerland through 2028. For the winnipeg jets, it leaves an RFA under contract abroad while Winnipeg still holds his NHL rights until 2027.
Steinmann on Kupari
HC Lugano general manager Janick Steinmann said Kupari had a tough season behind him, with an injury that lasted longer than hoped. He added that once the forward returned to the ice, he showed his speed and skills, and in the playoffs he was one of Lugano’s top forwards.
“Rasmus has had a very tough season behind him. His injury lasted longer than hoped, and he did everything possible to return as soon as he could. When he got back on the ice, he showed his speed and skills, and in the playoffs he was one of our top forwards. I have a lot of faith in him, and I believe that in the coming seasons we can see his very best version.”
Kupari in the National League
In his first season in the National League, a concussion limited Kupari to seven regular-season games and four playoff contests. He finished those league games with 1 goal and 1 assist, then added 1 goal and 2 assists in the playoffs.
The extension follows a deal he signed about a year ago, when he agreed to a two-year contract with HC Lugano after arriving from the Winnipeg Jets organization. He was acquired by Winnipeg from the Los Angeles Kings in the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade in 2023, and the new extension now runs his Swiss stay through 2028.
Winnipeg's rights to Kupari
That contract path leaves Winnipeg watching a player it still controls on the NHL side while he builds his game in Switzerland. Kupari remains an RFA of the Jets, and the team holds his NHL rights until 2027, so any return to North America sits on a separate timeline from his current club commitment.
For Winnipeg, the practical result is simple: Kupari is off the immediate roster board for another stretch, and his next steps will come in Lugano rather than on NHL ice. For Lugano, the move locks in a 25-year-old forward who already produced through limited games and gave the club a playoff run strong enough to earn another year.
