Stanley Cup Champion goaltender quits the NHL and heads overseas
Former NHL goaltender Antti Raanta has chosen not to return to the NHL and instead will play for Geneve-Servette HC in Switzerland's National League.
The veteran goalie signed a one-year deal with Geneve-Servette HC, one of the top teams in the Swiss league. This move comes shortly after Raanta announced he would continue his career in Europe, signaling the end of his time in North American hockey. After more than a decade in the NHL, Raanta is starting fresh overseas in a league that has become a popular destination for veteran players seeking a new challenge.
Raanta was signed by Geneve-Servette HC after their backup goalie, Gauthier Descloux, suffered an injury. He will now serve as the backup to Robert Mayer, the team's 34-year-old starter who was named the league's Goalie of the Year in 2023 and has had a strong start this season with a .923 save percentage in two games.
At 35, Raanta's departure from the NHL isn't surprising given the limited interest from teams seeking a full-time goalie. He had a tough season with the Carolina Hurricanes, posting a .872 save percentage in 24 games, leading most teams to view him as a third-string option. Rather than take a reduced role in North America, Raanta opted for a full-time position with Geneve-Servette, the reigning Swiss National League and Champions Hockey League champions. Their roster also features many players with NHL experience.
Raanta's NHL career began in 2013 when he was signed by the Chicago Blackhawks as an undrafted free agent from Finland. Over the past 11 seasons, he played 277 games for the Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, and Carolina Hurricanes. Despite being frequently sidelined by injuries, Raanta was known for his talent and reliability, often serving as both a backup and starting goaltender.
Throughout his NHL career, Raanta compiled a strong record of 139-80-29, with 20 shutouts, a 2.48 goals-against average, and a .915 save percentage. While injuries hampered his recent performance, his career stats reflect a solid goaltender who was consistently above average during his prime. He was also part of the 2015 Stanley Cup-winning Chicago Blackhawks team, although he didn't play in the playoffs and therefore didn't have his name engraved on the Cup.
Raanta's move to Switzerland marks a new chapter in his long and successful career. While the NHL has moved on, this is a great opportunity for him to continue playing at a high level with one of Europe's top teams. Geneve-Servette HC will benefit from his experience and skill as they continue to compete for championships. Raanta's reputation as a reliable and talented goaltender, both in the NHL and now in Europe, is sure to grow.
| POLL | ||
24 SEPTEMBRE | 85 ANSWERS Stanley Cup Champion goaltender quits the NHL and heads overseas Will Antti Raanta find success in Switzerland? | ||
| Yes | 57 | 67.1 % |
| No | 28 | 32.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
