Choosing Switzerland: How Jonah Neuenschwander is carving his own path to the 2027 NHL Draft

On November 26, 2024, Jonah Neuenschwander stepped onto the ice at Tissot Arena as a 15-year-old centre facing professional competition.

The opponent was Lausanne HC. The building was filled with players who had spent years establishing themselves in the Swiss National League. Neuenschwander had not even finished his first season of junior hockey at a U20 level.

Thirteen minutes into his debut, he recorded an assist.

The point made him the youngest player in National League history to record a point at 15 years, eight months, and 16 days old. He also became the second-youngest player ever to appear in the league.

The moment itself was significant, but the decision that came from it was even more interesting.

While many top European prospects eventually cross the Atlantic in search of exposure and a different development environment, Neuenschwander chose to stay home with EHC Biel-Bienne. Instead of moving to North America, he continued playing against professional competition in Switzerland, trusting that the daily challenges of the National League would suit his development.

Heading into the 2027 NHL Entry Draft, that decision has become one of the defining parts of his story.

Neuenschwander is already viewed as one of the premier draft-eligible players in Europe, with the skill set and progression that have placed him firmly into early top-five discussions. The skating, processing speed, and playmaking ability are obvious. What makes his development unique is the environment where those skills have been tested.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 187 pounds, Neuenschwander has the physical foundation scouts search for. More importantly, he has spent multiple seasons learning how to apply his game against players who are older, stronger, and more experienced.

"Of course, the idea of going to North America and following my own path was always there," Neuenschwander said. "But since I receive a lot of trust here as a young player from both the club and the coach, and I get the chance to play against grown men, it helps me a lot to continue developing my overall game, especially on the physical side. That's why, in the end, it was an easy decision to stay here and continue my path in Europe."

The choice has given Neuenschwander something few players his age receive: professional reps with real consequences.

Learning the game against men

Playing against professional hockey players at 15 years old forces adjustments.

The speed is different. The defensive gaps close faster. Mistakes that might lead to second chances in junior hockey often result in immediate scoring opportunities at the professional level.

Neuenschwander's first challenge was learning how to use his skill when time and space disappeared.

"It was something very special and a great honour to play for my club's senior team," Neuenschwander said. "At the beginning, I was a little nervous, but once the game started, it was simply hockey again, and I was able to fully focus on my game. The support from my teammates also helped me a lot. At the same time, however, I learned that this was only a small step in my career and that I still need to keep working hard on myself."

The biggest adjustment came physically.

"There wasn't one specific moment or opponent, but during my first games in the National League I quickly realized how important the physical aspect is at this level and how tough the game is played," Neuenschwander said. "By now, though, I feel that I've improved a lot in this area over the past two years."

Neuenschwander's skating has always been the foundation of his game. His stride creates separation through powerful first steps, strong edge control, and the ability to change direction without losing momentum. Against professional defenders, that mobility allows him to create advantages before physical pressure arrives.

His defensive-zone game has also continued to mature. Rather than waiting for transition opportunities, Neuenschwander has become more involved in helping his team escape pressure. He uses his frame to protect pucks, extends plays along the boards, and relies on his awareness to identify options before forecheckers can close.

His reach is one of his biggest defensive tools. He does not need to rely solely on physical contact to disrupt plays because his stick allows him to challenge passing lanes, pressure puck carriers, and force rushed decisions.

The next step is continuing to add strength and becoming more comfortable imposing himself physically. At times, older opponents can still move him off pucks or win leverage battles, but the habits are already there. The willingness to engage, compete for inside positioning, and return to dangerous areas consistently gives him a foundation that should improve as his body develops.

A different path to development

The traditional argument for young European prospects moving to North America has always centred around opportunity.

The CHL and USHL offer exposure, familiarity with smaller ice surfaces, and consistent evaluation from scouts. For some players, that environment is exactly what they need.

Neuenschwander saw the benefits of staying in Switzerland differently.

"I think staying here has helped me a lot," Neuenschwander said. "I was able to gain professional experience at an early stage, which made my game more complete and better overall. On a personal level, it also helped me a lot to always have my family and friends close by and to be able to count on their support."

The National League has provided a unique development environment. Neuenschwander has had to adapt to the professional structure while still being surrounded by people who have known him throughout his development.

His family has played a significant role in keeping hockey in perspective. Despite his rapid rise, Neuenschwander was not pushed into hockey by expectation. Instead, his parents allowed him to make his own decisions.

"My father never played professional hockey himself, but it's something really special to grow up in a hockey family, and it's a lot of fun to go through almost the same steps at nearly the same time with my brother," Neuenschwander said. "What some people misunderstand is that we were never told what we had to do. Whether it was hockey or another sport, we were always allowed to decide for ourselves."

Choosing his own path

The reason Neuenschwander's decision carries weight is because the environment he chose has forced him to develop every part of his game.

His growth has been most noticeable in the details. He has become more comfortable taking contact to make plays, supporting his defencemen under pressure, and competing for pucks in areas where older players have a physical advantage. Those are the habits that separate a talented young player from one who can eventually drive play at the NHL level.

The offensive upside has always been obvious. The more interesting part of his development has been watching him become more complete.

"I want to prove that I'm capable of playing against adults and dominating at this level," Neuenschwander said. "One big goal for next season is, of course, reaching the playoffs, and from there, as everyone knows, anything is possible. In addition, I want to take the next step as a two-way centre, playing solid defensively while also being a major threat offensively, both as a playmaker and as a scorer."

Neuenschwander's development does not prove there is one correct route for every European prospect.

Every player has different needs, different environments, and different timelines.

His story shows what can happen when a young player finds the environment that challenges him while allowing him to continue developing at his own pace.

When asked what advice he would give to a younger European player facing a similar decision, Neuenschwander focused on individuality.

"I want to tell young players that there is no wrong path," Neuenschwander said. "Every path has its advantages and maybe also some disadvantages, but no matter which path you choose, it's possible to reach the very top and make it to the NHL. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable on your path so that you can perform at your best."

For Neuenschwander, that path has been Biel.

After two seasons of competing against professional players, building physical strength, and refining one of the most complete skill sets in the 2027 draft class, Jonah Neuenschwander is no longer simply the prospect who stayed in Switzerland.

He is becoming one of the players others in his draft class will have to catch.