Red Wings Sign Czech Extraliga Goal Scoring Champion

Free agent left wing Jakub Rychlovsky, the leading goal scorer in the Czech Extraliga this past season, signed a  two-year entry level contract with the Detroit Red Wings Monday.

At 22, Rychlovsky is the youngest player to win the Czech Extraliga goal scoring title.  The previous record holder was former Red Wings player Dominik Kubalik.  Rychlovsky netted 26 goals and added 20 assists for 46 points in 51 games for Bili Tyrgri Liberec. This was a breakthrough season for Rychlovsky who was passed over in the NHL draft. In 2022-23, Rychlovsky netted five goals in 52 games for the same teams.

🔝 Duel na Hané ovládl Jakub Rychlovský! 🎩 Talent @hcbilitygri vstřelil hattrick, díky čemuž v tabulce střelců dohnal Tomáše Filippiho 💪#hattricktelh | #TELH pic.twitter.com/Pjzy7xkv6J

— Tipsport extraliga (@telhcz) February 28, 2024

Speed is an important aspect of Rychlovsky’s game.  He’s a savvy player with good instincts, and has stepped up in big games. He had five goals and seven points in nine playoff games this season.

Quality PP Performer

Nine of Rychlovsky’s goals came on the power play and he generated three shorthanded goals. The 5-foot-10 forward posted five game-winning goals and was plus-8 on the season. He boasted a shooting percentage of 19.5%.

With a prospect list heavy on quality defensemen, the Red Wings are undoubtedly happy to add another potential scorer.  However, it’s always difficult to know how a European free agent will perform until he comes over for his first NHL training camp and preseason games.

It’s fair to say the majority of those undrafted free agents don’t make the grade. Most recently, the Red Wings signed Pontus Andreasson after he scored 18 goals in 52 games in the Swedish Hockey League. He scored 12 goals for the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2022-23 and then returned to Sweden. Andreasson was 24 when he came to North America.

But some do have an impact. After being a dominant player in the Swiss League for 33 games in 2012-13, Damien Brunner signed with the Red Wings and put up 12 goals and 26 points in 44 games.

And Detroit fans know the Pius Suter story. He was undrafted, signed by the Blackhawks, and he has been a dependable, productive two-way third line forward for the Blackhawks, Red Wings and now Vancouver Canucks over the past four seasons