Markus Granlund signs with Swiss club Genève-Servette

Finnish forward Markus Granlund has signed a contract to play with Swiss club Genève-Servette, the reigning club champion of Europe.

“We are very happy to have found in Markus the ideal player to complete our import quota,” said Marc Gautschi, the club’s sports manager. “He is, without a doubt, one of the most complete players on the ice in Switzerland. Thanks to his excellent qualities as a playmaker and his versatility, he will make our offense more varied and dangerous.”

A second-round draft pick of the Calgary Flames in 2011, Granlund recorded 101 points in 335 NHL games with the Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers between 2013 and 2020. Since then, Granlund played two seasons with Salavat Yulayev Ufa in the KHL and two with HC Lugano in Switzerland. This upcoming season will be Granlund’s third in the National League.

Granlund, 31, is already the fourth Finn under contract with Genève-Servette for next season, joining Teemu Hartikainen, Sakari Manninen and defenseman Sami Vatanen. The club also has Czech Michael Špaček and Swede Theodor Lennström to fill its allotment of six imports on the roster. Canadian Marc-Antoine Pouliot, a former NHLer, has become a naturalized Swiss citizen and doesn't count against the quota.

Geneva has become somewhat of a haven for Finnish players in recent years. Last season, they won the Champions Hockey League with the help of veteran Triple Gold Club member Valtteri Filppula.

Internationally, Granlund won an Olympic gold medal with Finland in Beijing in 2022. He is the younger brother of Finnish national team captain Mikael Granlund, who also plays for the San Jose Sharks.