Columbus Blue Jackets prospect abandons team and gives up on his NHL dream

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Josh tupper
August 29, 2022 (9:46)

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For the second time in the last week the Columbus Blue Jackets received news that one of their players/prospects was refusing to return to North America and would be playing in Europe. After Alexander Texier announced his intention to remain close to home during a mental health battle.

Yesterday Blue Jackets' prospect Calvin Thurkauf announced he'd signed a 7-year deal with HC Lugano of Switzerland. The deal will keep the 25-year-old as a member of the club until he's 32.

This contract effectively ends Thurkauf's NHL career. Thurkauf had previously played 3 games for the Jackets in 2019-2020. The 6'2 center was drafted by the Jackets in the 7th round in 2016.

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AOUT 29 \| 176 ANSWERS Columbus Blue Jackets prospect abandons team and gives up on his NHL dream Are the Blue Jackets a playoff team?
They'll compete for a spot but miss	67	38.1 %
They'll compete for a spot and make it	59	33.5 %
They won't compete at all	50	28.4 %
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