Dean Kukan officially leaves the NHL, signs long-term deal in Switzerland
Last month while at the World Championship in Finland, pending UFA defenceman Dean Kukan told Fernando Lavezzo of Corriere del Ticino that he wouldn't be returning to the Columbus Blue Jackets and would be signing in Switzerland.
On Wednesday, Kukan agreed to terms on a five-year contract with National League club, ZSC Lions.
Note: the following is translated from German.
"I am very happy that Dean is coming home. He is a smart puck mover and has a good first pass, even under pressure. This makes him an important piece of the puzzle for our defense. In addition, Dean can be used both in the power play and in the box play", describes sports director Sven Leuenberger.
Kukan, 28, came over to North America in 2015, signing an entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Volketswil native went on to play parts of six seasons with the Blue Jackets where he had 30 points (five goals, 25 assists), 46 penalty minutes and was a plus-three.
Source: ZSC Lions.
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