Former first-rounder Mikkel Boedker leaves the NHL

After parts of 12 seasons in the NHL, forward Mikkel Boedker has decided to move on. The 30-year-old, who suited up for Ottawa the last two season, has signed a two-year contract with HC Lugano of the Swiss National League.

Boedker is a former first-round draft pick, selected eighth overall by the then Phoenix Coyotes. He is the highest draft Danish player in NHL history, and was the cover athlete for EA's NHL 10 in Denmark and Norway.

Boedker's best season in the NHL came with the Coyotes in 2013-14, when he set a career high in goals (19), assists (32) and points (51). He never reached those heights in the NHL again. After parts of eight seasons with the Coyotes, he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in February of 2016, in exchange for Alex Tanguay, Conner Bleackley and prospect Kyle Wood. The following offseason, he signed a four-year, $16 million dollar contract with the San Jose Sharks, but was traded to Ottawa in 2018 in the Mike Hoffman exchange.

"I am very happy to play in Lugano and to get to know the Cornèr Arena audience personally," Boedker said in a news release on the team's website. "I have heard that the fans are exceptional and very passionate. I am very motivated for the challenge that awaits me in Swiss hockey and I hope that together we can achieve something great."

Translation: Hockey Club Lugano today announces the hiring of a second new foreign striker who will bring new energy and new talent to the team's offensive department, Mikkel Boedker!

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