Former Winnipeg Jets winger Brendan Lemieux has signed a multi-year deal with Swiss National League team HC Davos.
Former Winnipeg Jets winger Brendan Lemieux has signed a multi-year deal with Swiss National League team HC Davos.
The NL club announced on Monday that Lemieux had signed a deal for the remainder of the current season plus two additional seasons, which will expire in 2027 when he is 31 years old.
The 28-year-old was placed on waivers for purposes of mutual contract termination Friday by the Carolina Hurricanes. He had not played with the Hurricanes this season but recorded two goals in 12 games with the Hurricanes AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.
Lemieux played two seasons with the Jets, registering 10 goals and 13 points in 53 games. The Jets acquired Lemieux in a blockbuster trade before he had even signed his entry-level contract. He was part of the package the Jets received from the Buffalo Sabres in the Evander Kane and Tyler Myers swap.
After signing his entry-level contract, Lemieux played in 117 games with the Manitoba Moose, scoring 33 goals and 65 points. He was never able to carve out a role with the Jets and was traded to the New York Rangers as part of the package that saw the Jets acquire Kevin Hayes.
The 6'1 left winger was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round, 31st overall, in the 2014 NHL draft. However, he wasn't able to replicate the scoring he showed in the OHL, becoming an agitator playing on the fourth line on multiple NHL teams, including the Jets, Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Hurricanes.
Eric Tulksy told Hurricanes.com that "Brendan asked to be released from his contract so he could pursue a new opportunity. We wish him nothing but the best in the next stage of his career."
That new opportunity is to play European hockey for the first time in his career.
“Brendan is a player who stands out for his intensity, passion and will to win,” said Davos sports director Jan Alston. “With his player profile, he is the perfect addition to our team and will offer our coaching staff further options.”
Davos currently leads the National League standings with 57 points in 29 games.
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