Philipp Kurashev May Return to Switzerland If NHL Deal Fails

In a potential turn of events for forward Philipp Kurashev, the San Jose Sharks player could be heading back to Switzerland if he cannot secure a new contract in the NHL. According to Swiss media outlet Contropiede, which closely follows HC Lugano, Kurashev has reached an agreement to return to the team he previously played for during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his stint with Lugano, Kurashev made a notable impact, recording nine points, all assists, in just 13 games in the Swiss National League. His successful run in Switzerland has left the door open for a reunion, should his NHL aspirations not materialize.

The Sharks signed Kurashev last summer after the Chicago Blackhawks chose not to extend a qualifying offer to him, hoping to revitalize his career. While Kurashev displayed potential at the NHL level, his time with San Jose has been challenging. He managed to score seven goals and accumulate 20 points over 43 games, but injuries frequently sidelined him.

As Kurashev approaches restricted free agency, the Sharks have the option to retain his rights by submitting a qualifying offer. However, given the team’s potential strategy of drafting another high-end forward in the 2026 NHL Draft, it seems unlikely they will pursue that route. As it stands, Kurashev’s future remains uncertain, but a return to Switzerland appears to be a safety net if North American opportunities do not materialize.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.