Release from 07.05.2026

Linz signs forward Lukas Kainz | Defenseman Nick Bailen joins Vienna

Short text 438 CharactersPlain text

Forward Lukas Kainz moves from reigning champions Graz to the Steinbach Black Wings Linz. The 30-year-old, who has signed a three-year contract in Upper Austria, has recorded 423 games and 133 points in the win2day ICE Hockey League to date. Meanwhile, the Vienna Capitals have signed defenseman Nick Bailen. The 36-year-old American impressed with the 99ers last season, contributing 62 points in 49 games on the way to the championship.

Press release 2111 CharactersPlain text

Lukas Kainz began his career in Salzburg through the academy, winning a title early on. After moving to Graz in 2018, he developed into a key player and national team member (67 caps, including World Championship participation). He recently capped off his six years in Graz—during which he also spent two seasons in Vienna—with a championship title, although injuries limited his impact in the playoffs. Overall, he has tallied 423 games and 133 points in the win2day ICE Hockey League.

Lukas Kainz: “When I think of Linz, that incredible quarterfinal series will always come to mind. The fans were already well known across the league, but in those playoffs, it truly felt like playing against a sixth man. I can’t wait to play in that atmosphere. Winning the championship was the absolute highlight for me, but it was also tough not being fully involved at that stage due to injury. That makes me even more motivated now, and I’m very excited to become part of the Black Wings.”

Bailen heads to Vienna
After playing college hockey in the United States, Nick Bailen began his professional career in Europe. His path led him from Finland to the KHL, where he was named “Defenseman of the Year” in 2021/22. After eight KHL seasons—interrupted by a brief stint in Sweden—Bailen moved to the German DEL. In his first season with the Kölner Haie, he was again named best defenseman. In December 2024, he moved to the Moser Medical Graz99ers. There, he played a key role in winning the championship title this season, shone as the top-scoring defender (13 goals, 49 assists) and dominated particularly on the power play.

Nick Bailen: “My family and I are really excited about this new chapter. Every time we’ve been in Vienna over the past year and a half, it felt like our kids didn’t want to leave. We love this city and are very impressed with everything we’ve seen from the Capitals so far. We’re happy to be part of the Caps family. On the ice, I want to be an important piece of the team and help win as many games as possible.”