Canadian forward Nic Petan, 30, has signed a two-year contract with HC Ambrì-Piotta, the National League club announced on Monday.

Petan spent last season in the KHL with Ak Bars Kazan, where he recorded 50 points and 30 penalty minutes in 60 regular-season and playoff games. Prior to that, he had spent his entire career in North America.

“I chose Ambrì for the next chapter of my career because not only have I heard great things about the city, the fans, the staff and also the players, but I think it’s gonna be a great fit for me and the style of play that I bring,” Petan said in a social media video. “Coming from an Italian background, the culture and all that comes with it, I think it’s going to be a great fit.”

Born in Delta, BC, Petan played minor hockey for the North Shore Winter Club in North Vancouver and junior hockey for the Portland Winterhawks. In 2012-13, Petan led the WHL in assists, won the CHL top scorer award, helping Portland to a league title and a berth in the Memorial Cup.

In 2013, Petan was chosen in the second round, 43rd overall, by the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL Entry Draft. Between 2015 and 2024, he played 170 NHL games for the Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild, recording 35 points and 46 penalty minutes. He was also briefly in the New York Rangers system.

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At 5’9” and 174 lbs, Petan was undersized by NHL standards and spent most of his time in the AHL.

“I’m a smaller, skilled, competitve forward,” said Petan. “I’m a playmaker but I also love scoring goals. I bring speed, quickness, and a playmaking ability to the game. I do respect the defensive side of the game, so as I’ve gotten older, I like to bring an offensive side but also a defensive side to my game.”

Internationally, Petan played for Canada at the 2014 and 2015 IIHF World Junior Championships, winning a gold in the latter.

Petan’s signing comes days after Ambrì-Piotta signed Chris Tierney, who also played last season in the KHL. In addition to Petan and Tierney, Ambrì-Piotta has under contract for next season former NHLers Tim Heed, Chris DiDomenico and goaltender Gilles Senn.

Photo © Bob Frid-Imagn Images: Nic Petan playing for the Vancouver Canucks in the 2022-23 season. 

Chris Tierney Moves From KHL To SwitzerlandCanadian center Chris Tierney, who turns 31 on July 1, has signed a one-year contract with Ambrì-Piotta, the National League club announced via social media on Friday. The contract is reportedly for one year plus an option.