The Rockets Swiss beast is officially a Blue Jacket.
Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today that the Blue Jackets have signed Thurkauf to a three-year entry level contract.
Thurkauf was the Jackets’ seventh round draft pick, 185th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft.
So far this season Thurkauf has posted 17 goals and 14 assists for 31 points with 47 penalty minutes as well as a plus-14 plus/minus rating in 28 games with the Kelowna Rockets.
He is second on the team in goals, points and penalty minutes.
He was recently awarded WHL player of the week honors after he scored eight goals and 10 points in his last four games before leaving to the World Juniors.
Thurkauf is serving as the captain for team Switzerland at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championships. So far he has posted two goals and one assist in two contests. He has also represented Switzerland at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championships and the 2015 IIHF World U18 Championships.
Thurkauf is scheduled to return to the Rockets in the new year following the World Juniors.
The Rockets will be without Thurkauf tonight when they face off against the Victoria Royals at Prospera Place.
