New York Rangers‘ Czech-born rookie defenseman Libor Hajek(43) gets his wish: a recall to the big league and has already played 5 games skating close to 20 shifts per outing for roughly 18 minutes of ice time putting up 7 shots on net, 5 hits, 3 takeaways, 4 giveaways, 3 play breakups and 4 penalty minutes with a 0 rating in 1 win and 4 close losses.
Oh, and he also grabbed a 1st NHL goal in the process.
Originally a Tampa Bay Lightning 2nd round pick in the 2016 draft (#37 overall), he was a minor part of a big deal late last season, when he was still in juniors with Regina Pats.
The 6’2″ 204 lbs. d-man is considered a strong skating, two-way player, who was able to capture 20+ assists in his three years of WHL action.
He actually came over with 17 Tipsport Czech Extraliga experience with HC Kometa Brno but has yet to really strike for affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack, where he has 5 assists in 58 AHL games but has a lowly -26 rating.
There’s little doubt the 21-year old has plenty of upside but may need a winning club he can contribute to.