Theo Rochette Generating NHL Interest

This is the time of year when we start to see a lot of activity on the international front as players move during the transfer window.  One of those could be Swiss forward Theo Rochette, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this week in a 32 Thoughts podcast (audio link) that a few NHL teams appear to be taking a look at Rochette.

The 24-year-old was a prolific producer in the QMJHL.  Over five seasons between Chicoutimi and Quebec, Rochette posted 115 goals and 202 assists in 271 regular season games while staying above the point-per-game mark in the playoffs as well.  While he went undrafted, he seemed like a realistic candidate to sign an entry-level deal and start off at the AHL level.

But Rochette had other plans.  He instead signed a two-year deal with HC Lausanne in 2023, then inked a five-year extension after that, keeping him signed through 2030-31.  In three seasons with the club, he has notched at least 30 points in each of them and had his best showing in 2025-26, tallying 22 goals and 21 assists in 46 games.  That earned Rochette a spot on Switzerland’s entry for the World Championship where he has been productive in a depth role, recording five points in eight games heading into today’s semi-final action.

Clearly, there is an NHL out clause in his current contract that will give Rochette an opportunity to take a shot at playing in North America.  Considering the security he has in his current contract, it seems reasonable to think that if Rochette opts to sign, he’ll be going somewhere where he has a chance to play regularly in the NHL.  If not, staying and playing at home would make more sense so it wouldn’t be shocking if Rochette is particularly selective when considering offers from interested teams.