After a remarkable 14-season journey through the NHL, former Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Tatar is set to return to Europe. The 34-year-old has inked a two-year deal with EV Zug of the Swiss National League.
Tatar, who was drafted by the Red Wings in the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft (60th overall), had an impressive career, highlighted by a standout performance in the 2014-15 season where he scored a career-high 29 goals. Over his seven seasons with Detroit, he established himself as a reliable scorer, achieving seven seasons with at least 20 goals.
In 2018, Tatar was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, a move that brought the Red Wings valuable draft picks, one of which was used to select Joe Veleno. His value was recognized by EV Zug’s general manager Reto Klay, who noted Tatar’s extensive experience and game intelligence, emphasizing his expected role as a center within the team.
Before his tenure in the NHL, Tatar also found success in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins, playing an integral role in their 2013 Calder Cup victory. Recently, he played for the New Jersey Devils, where he participated in both the regular season and the playoffs, contributing a total of seven goals and 10 assists in his second stint with the team.
With his impressive career stats—927 NHL games played, 227 goals, and 496 points—Tatar’s transition to the Swiss league demonstrates his commitment to continue playing at a high level. The move to EV Zug not only allows him to contribute to a new team but also offers him the opportunity to bring his wealth of experience to the European hockey scene. This change could be an exciting new chapter in Tatar’s professional career, providing a fresh environment for him to showcase his talents.
Overall, this move reflects a common trend of seasoned NHL players seeking opportunities abroad later in their careers, a journey that can reinvigorate their love for the game while impacting teams positively in leagues worldwide.