Long-time NHL defenceman leaves North America, signs in Europe

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Cooper Godin
July 10, 2023 (6:12 PM)

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For the second time in his career, long-time National Hockey League defenceman Andrej Sustr is leaving North America.

On Monday, Kolner Haie, a team in the German DEL, announced that they've agreed to terms with Sustr on a contract for the 2023-24 season.

"In the past few years, I have repeatedly had discussions with the Cologne management and head coach Uwe Krupp, which is why a strong relationship has developed. Because of these conversations, the decision was easy for me and it feels right in my heart. My family and I are very happy to be part of the Kölner Haie. For me, the organization's reputation is one of the best in Europe and I can't wait to meet the team, live in the city of Cologne and above all play in front of such great fans," Sustr said.

Sustr, 32, spent parts of eight seasons in the National Hockey League with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Ducks. In 361 career games, Sustr recorded 69 points (11 goals, 58 assists), 163 penalty minutes and was a minus-seven. He went on to add five points in 46 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Plzen, Czechia native went over to China to play for the KHL's Kunlun Red Star for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons before returning to North America for the 2021-22 campaign.

This past season, he suited up in 51 games for the AHL's Iowa Wild and San Diego Gulls, putting up 14 points (three goals, 11 assists), 41 penalty minutes and was a plus-eight.

Source: Kolner Haie

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