Mike Sgarbossa's time with the Washington Capitals organization is officially coming to an end.
The 32-year-old announced at the Hershey Bears exit day on Friday that he is signing with the Swiss League's HC Lugano, ending his seven-year tenure within the organization.
"We made that choice, it was a difficult one. Been here for seven years, my kids were born here, we've been comfortable here," Sgarbossa said. "Everyone's been great, we don't have a bad thing to say about Hershey and Washington's organization. Everyone's treated us awesome."
Sgarbossa was a notable call-up for the Capitals over five of the last seven seasons, often coming up from the Bears to fill a void at center. In 2023-24, he made the full-time jump to the NHL and ended the regular season with the team after coming up to replace Evgeny Kuznetsov.
In 45 total games with Washington, Sgarbossa picked up seven goals and eight assists for 15 points, and over 297 games with Hersehy, accumulated 268 points while winning the Calder Cup in 2023.
"What it's meant, it's been great, it's been a huge honor for me. Typically you don't get seven years with a two-way player like I've been, someone that's been up and down... for me personally it's been a huge honor," Sgarbossa said of spending seven years within the organization."
When it comes to the choice to sign abroad, Sgarbossa said he wanted a bit more stability entering the latter part of his career, and is putting his family first.
"Personally, I think for our family, gives a little bit more stability probably. I've been going up and down quite a bit, so you tend to miss a lot of things when it comes to the kids. They're starting to realize what's happening, what I'm missing. That played a part in the decision," Sgarbossa said.
And, ultimately, he believes it's a good step forward for his career.
"Going over, I just think it's a good opportunity for me, personally. I think the team I''going to is kind of having a fresh start and a chance to probably extend my career a little bit more," Sgarbossa said. "It wasn't an easy (decision)."
