Ottawa Senators Defenceman Lassi Thomson Makes Move to Europe
Ottawa Senators fans will be watching one of their own from across the Atlantic next season, as defenceman Lassi Thomson has signed a two-year contract with HC Lugano of the National League, Switzerland's top professional hockey league, according to Pro Hockey Rumors.
The 24-year-old Finnish blueliner, selected by Ottawa in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft (19th overall), spent several seasons working his way through the Senators' system. Known for his smooth skating and offensive instincts from the back end, Thomson showed flashes of the potential that made him a first-round pick — but consistent NHL opportunities proved harder to come by in a competitive Sens defensive corps.
What the Move Means for Thomson
Heading to Lugano gives Thomson something he hasn't had much of at the NHL level: guaranteed top-pairing minutes and a central role in a competitive European program. HC Lugano is one of Switzerland's marquee franchises, based in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, with a passionate fanbase and a history of attracting North American players looking to re-establish themselves or extend their careers.
For Thomson, a two-year commitment suggests a clear plan — develop his game, pile up ice time, and potentially use Europe as a springboard back to the NHL. It's a path a number of young NHLers have taken successfully in recent years.
The Senators' Off-Season Landscape
Thomson's departure is another data point in what's shaping up to be a busy off-season in the nation's capital. The Senators have been retooling their roster over the past couple of years, and the blue line remains an area of focus as the team looks to build a consistent contender around core pieces like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle.
Sens fans will no doubt wish Thomson well — he's a likeable player who gave his best efforts in an Ottawa uniform — while also keeping an eye on how the organization moves forward on defence heading into next season.
Lugano Adds NHL Draft Pedigree
For HC Lugano, landing a former first-round NHL pick with Thomson's skating ability is a genuine coup. European clubs have increasingly become destinations for younger NHLers with something to prove, and Thomson fits that profile well. If he thrives in Switzerland, it wouldn't be surprising to see NHL teams come calling again in a year or two.
For now, the Ottawa chapter of Lassi Thomson's career appears to be closed — but with two years in Lugano ahead of him, his story is far from over.
Source: Pro Hockey Rumors
