The Czech import was drafted 24th overall in this year's NHL draft.
The Vancouver Canucks announced the signing of Adam Novotny, their 2026 24th overall pick, to a three-year, entry-level contract on Tuesday.
Novotny, 18, is coming off a strong rookie season with the Peterborough Petes, posting 65 (34+31) points in 58 games as an import. He also won silver with Czechia at last year's World Juniors, recording three assists in seven games.
The 6-foot-1 winger excels at creating chances in the middle of the ice, and loves to get shots away from great real estate in front of goal. That power forward skill package was tantalizing to NHL teams, and is what helped make him a first-round pick.
Signing a contract means any potential NCAA option is now void for Novotny. The Canucks have the authority to do what they want with the player, and his play at training camp will dictate that decision.
If he really shines, it's possible he could get a nine-game NHL trial. That path is pretty rare for players that go outside the top-10, but with the north-south, pro-style game of Novotny, combined with a rebuilding Canucks team, it's possible they give him a shot at big minutes if he impresses.
The two more likely avenues will either be the AHL, or a return to the OHL. With Novotny being European-born and developed, he can be sent to the AHL at any time, and turning pro could make a lot of sense for him.
Alternatively, if camp comes and goes and Vancouver thinks he's better served having one more year in the OHL, that could be a path as well. These paths can also mix and match, similar to how the Buffalo Sabres handled Radim Mrtka last season, starting him in the AHL before sending him back to WHL Seattle to end the season.
So, there's a decent shot Novotny returns to the OHL at some point for one more season, but the Canucks clearly see a lot of upside in the Czech winger.
Adam Novotny will make his case to turn pro at training camp this fall. (Photo: Natalie Shaver/OHL Images)Never want to miss out on any OHL news? Make sure to bookmark THN's OHL site.
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