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Winnipeg Jets RFA Rasmus Kupari signs extension with HC Lugano
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Photo credit: © Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Evan Waldner
May 29, 2026, 18:30 EDT
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A former Winnipeg Jets forward whose NHL rights are still held by the club has signed an extension in Switzerland.
Almost exactly one year ago, Jets forward Rasmus Kupari signed a two-year contract with HC Lugano of Switzerland’s National League. Now, just a year later, the Finnish forward has agreed to an extension with the club.
Although he’s now committed to Lugano for the foreseeable future, things haven’t been easy for Kupari. In his first season with the team, a concussion limited him to just seven regular-season games, where he recorded one goal and one assist. He also appeared in four playoff games, tallying one goal and two assists.
“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,” said Lugano general manager Janick Steinmann in a statement. “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.”
The 26-year-old was selected 20th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft.
In 87 games across two seasons with Winnipeg, Kupari recorded five goals and four assists for nine points while adding 20 penalty minutes.
Kupari was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to Los Angeles in exchange for Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo, Kupari, and a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. The Jets later used that pick to select defenceman prospect Alfons Freij.
For those wondering how Kupari is still connected to the organization, he remains a restricted free agent (RFA) whose NHL rights are held by Winnipeg through 2027, according to PuckPedia. However, with this latest extension keeping him in Switzerland through the 2027-28 season, a return to North America appears increasingly unlikely.

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