The Peterborough Petes have signed a second import player this summer, leaving them with one remaining spot to recruit another European player for the 2025-26 season.
On Saturday, the Petes organization announced that they have signed Switzerland forward Yanis Lutz to an OHL Standard Player Agreement.
Lutz, 17, recorded 22 points (14 goals, 8 assists) in 34 games and 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in 8 playoff games for the U20 EV Zug team in the Swiss U20-Elit league during the 2024-25 season. He also spent time in the Swiss U18-Elit league, recording 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists) in 12 games for EV Zug U17.
“Yanis is an offensive, skilled young player who is a strong skater with a very good hockey IQ. His track record has shown that he can produce offensively at every level that he has played in Switzerland, including his National Team. I would like to personally acknowledge Pat Pilloni and Nxtshot Sports for their work and assistance in making this exciting import deal possible,” said Peterborough Petes Assistant Coach and Director of Player Personnel Patrick O’Connor.
Earlier in July, Peterborough made a splash by signing top NHL draft-eligible prospect Adam Novotny, whom they selected ninth overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. Lutz is also eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. He’s looked at as an offensive-minded forward who can make an impact on the powerplay.
Adam Novotny, Projected Top Prospect In The 2026 NHL Draft, Signs With Peterborough Petes
Last season, one of the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/ohl">OHL’s</a> top performers came from the 2024 CHL Import Draft. <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/players/ilya-protas-with-the-help-of-older-brother-aliaksei-ready-to-show-the-capitals-what-he-can-do">Ilya Protas</a> was selected third overall by the <a href="https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/">Windsor Spitfires</a>. He formed an unstoppable duo with <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/the-ohls-deadliest-duo-ilya-protas-and-liam-greentree">Liam Greentree</a>, scoring 50 goals and 124 points in the regular season.
“Yanis is a player that Rob Wilson, Patrick O’Connor, myself, and other members of our staff have had a chance to see both in-person and on video. We feel that he has the abilities to succeed in the OHL and is a player that we’re excited to be able to add to our group heading into next season,” said Petes GM and Vice President of Hockey Operations Michael Oke.
The Lachen, Switzerland native is currently attending his country’s U18 camp as they prepare for the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Lutz is expected to play a big role for his nation. He was a top producer for the U17 Switzerland team in international tournaments last season.
Switzerland’s first game of the tournament is on Aug. 11 against one of the host nations, Czechia. They’ll have their toughest match of the tournament the very next day against Canada.
(Top photo credit: Brandon Taylor/OHL Images)
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