NHL Draft Pick Ignatavičius to Stay in Switzerland for Another Season

Simas Ignatavičius, who recently made history as the third Lithuanian ever to be selected in the NHL Entry Draft, has decided to remain with his current Swiss club, Geneva "Servette," for at least the upcoming season. The club officially confirmed the decision on Tuesday evening.

"This is an excellent opportunity for Simas to continue his progress in an environment he knows well and to work with a familiar coaching staff," stated the club in their announcement. Ignatavičius moved to Switzerland at the young age of 12 to pursue his hockey development within the "Servette" organization, where he has remained ever since.

Last season, the 18-year-old forward made his debut for the main Geneva "Servette" team, appearing in 63 games. During this period, he scored 9 goals and provided 7 assists, earning him recognition as the Swiss League's rookie of the year. His performance has been a significant step in his burgeoning career.

Ignatavičius's NHL draft selection came in the second round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, where he was chosen 40th overall by the Florida Panthers. This achievement places him in an elite group of Lithuanian hockey players, following Darius Kasparaitis, drafted fifth overall by the New York Islanders in 1992, and Dainius Zubrus, selected 15th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1996.

Born in the United States, Ignatavičius began his ice hockey journey in Vilnius at the "Akropolis" ice arena under coach Tomas Lauksedis. Despite his early roots in Lithuania, his professional path led him to Switzerland at age 12. While his NHL draft rights are held by the Panthers, it was widely predicted that he would spend at least one more season developing in Europe before making a final decision on his future.

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This is an excellent opportunity for Simas to continue his progress in an environment he knows well and to work with a familiar coaching staff.