Ex-Devils, Avalanche D-Man Signs In Finland

Canadian defenseman Éric Gélinas, 33, has signed a contract to play the remainder of the current season with Lukko Rauma, the Finnish Liiga club announced on Tuesday.

“I’m really excited to be coming to Rauma,” said Gélinas. “This is a great opportunity for me to join a top team and fight for the championship this season.”

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Born in Vanier, Ont. and raised in Saint-Jean, Que., Gélinas played junior hockey for the QMJHL’s Lewiston MAINEiacs, Chicoutimi Sagueneens and Saint John Sea Dogs, winning a Memorial Cup with the latter in 2011.

Chosen in the second round, 54th overall, by the New Jersey Devils in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Gélinas played 189 NHL games for the Devils and Colorado Avalanche between 2013 and 2017, recording 55 points and 92 penalty minutes. He was also NHL property of the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes.

Other than a nine-game AHL stint in 2021, Gélinas has played in Europe since 2018, with stops in Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland.

“Gélinas is an experienced guy who has seen a lot of different rinks,” said Lukko sports director Kalle Sahlstedt. “I believe that this is a good addition to our defense, and makes us a little more experienced.”

“I see myself as a player who can help the team in every situation,” said Gélinas. “On the offensive end, I can help out simply but effectively with my hard shot. On defense, I bring physicality through my size and I like to play hard and challenge the opponent. As a big man, I also skate well.”

Lukko is currently ranked sixth in the Liiga standings with with 45 points in 27 games. According to the team’s announcement, Gélinas will join the team this weekend and wear number 86.