Kupari clears the obstacle

Hockey Club Lugano announces that it has extended the contract of Rasmus Kupari, born on March 15, 2000 in southern Finland, through the end of the 2027/28 season.

The 26-year-old right-shot center/winger (188 cm / 91 kg) was able to play only eleven games during the 2025/26 season (2 goals, 3 assists) due to a concussion that kept him sidelined from the second Regular Season game until the Olympic break in February.

His improving performances during the Playoffs and his unquestionable technical potential convinced HCL to show great confidence in him and extend his contract ahead of schedule.

Having moved at a young age to the prestigious Kärpät Oulu organization, Kupari (188 cm / 91 kg) stood out with Finland’s junior national teams, playing in two U18 World Championships and three U20 World Championships, winning two gold medals and one silver medal, while also contributing as a 17-year-old to Kärpät’s Liiga championship title at the end of the 2017/18 season.

Those performances attracted the attention of North American scouts and earned him a first-round selection, 20th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2018 NHL Draft.

After a second season with 38 points for Kärpät Oulu, Kupari moved to North American hockey starting with the 2019/20 season.

He played for the Los Angeles Kings and the Winnipeg Jets, totaling 228 NHL games (14 goals, 24 assists). In the AHL, he suited up for the Ontario Reign and the Manitoba Moose (87 games, 24 goals, 24 assists).

Janick Steinmann, General Manager of Hockey Club Lugano, commented on Rasmus Kupari’s qualities:

“Rasmus went through a very difficult season. His injury lasted longer than everyone had hoped, he battled hard and did everything possible to return as quickly as he could. Once he got back on the ice, he showed his speed and skills and during the Playoffs he was among our best forwards. I have a lot of confidence in him and believe that over the next few seasons we will see the best version of him.”