Blue Jackets prospect gives up on NHL career at 25
For the second time in the last week, the Columbus Blue Jackets received news that one of their players/prospects is leaving North America to return to Europe.
NHL regular Alexander Texier announced last week that he was remaining in Europe to be close to family as he deals with his own mental health battle. He signed a one-year contract with ZC Lions (Zurich, Switzerland) of the National League
Now, prospect Calvin Thurkauf announced that he has signed a seven-year deal with HC Lugano of the National League as well, which will keep the 25-year-old in Switzerland until he's 32 years old.
Thurkauf is a native of Zug, Switzerland and was the Blue Jackets seventh round (185th overall) selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in 154 games with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL and recorded 22 goals and 30 assists. He also appeared in three NHL games with Columbus and had zero points.
The Swiss native spent the past two seasons in his home country with EV Zug and HC Lugano of the NL. Appearing in 72 games, he collected 19 goals and 21 assists.
Safe to say that this new contract will effectively end Thurkauf's NHL career.
