While the Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing, it's never too early to look ahead to free agency, which is just over two months away and for former New York Rangers defenceman Libor Hajek, he's looking to return to North America and more importantly, the National Hockey League.
In his 'Rink Fries' article on Sportsnet, Jeff Marek mentioned that Hajek wants to return next season and that some National Hockey League teams have noticed the strong season he had in Czechia with HC Dynamo Pardubice.
In 20 games with Pardubice, Hajek had nine points (four goals, five assists), 12 penalty minutes and was a plus-15, helping his team to a first-place finish in the regular season standings. He went on to add three assists and ten penalty minutes in 16 playoff games before losing in the finals to HC Ocelari Trinec.
It'll be interesting to see where Libor Hajek ends up next season, but there will be plenty of teams wanting to sign him this summer. Hajek is expected to be on Czechia's roster for the 2024 IIHF World Hockey Championship, which is being held on home ice this year. The World Championship will give Hajek another opportunity to prove to teams that he is capable of playing in the National Hockey League.