Calvin Thurkauf signs long-term extension in Switzerland
Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick and prospect Calvin Thürkauf has signed a long-term extension that will see him join HC Lugano until the 2028/29 season, according to the team. The deal will keep Thurkauf at home in his native Switzerland for the foreseeable future and likely close the book on his potential as a future part of the Blue Jackets build.
Thurkauf was originally a 2016 seventh-round selection of Columbus from the Kelowna Rockets organization. Thurkauf returned to Kelowna after being drafted, breaking out in 2016-17 with 33 goals and 37 assists in 60 games for the Rockets and turning pro offseason. The forward spent three seasons with the Columbus organization, appearing primarily as a member of the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, and had 22 goals and 30 assists in 154 games. While Thurkauf held his own, it wasn’t quite the impact many were hoping for after his impressive run at juniors. Still, it was enough for an NHL debut, playing three games with the Blue Jackets in the 2019-20 season.
After that season, Thurkauf returned home and signed for Zug EV, his hometown club. Thurkauf was solid again, now in the Swiss league, picking up five points in 22 games. Before 2021/22, Thurkauf moved to Lugano but broke out with 16 goals and 19 assists in 50 games. Those efforts were enough to help him chart that long-term extension. Though it likely rules out his NHL career, at least for a while, the contract gives Thurkauf security and a chance to be an impactful player in his home country.