The Blue Jackets will get to see one of their European prospects play in North America next season. Forward Filip Novak signed an agreement to join the Western Hockey League's Victoria Royals today, snatching him from the pro ranks in Czechia.
Novak was selected by the Blue Jackets in the 7th round (#206 overall) at last month's NHL Draft. In our report earlier this month, we touted him as a hard working player that needed to hone his offensive game. By taking his talents to the WHL, he will get a chance to do just that.
The 6'1", 198 pounder was taken in the last round of the draft, but that does not mean he hasn't been on the radar of CHL teams to this point. In fact, he was a first round pick of the Lethbridge Hurricanes at last summer's CHL Import Draft.
The Hurricanes traded him to Victoria just 5 days ago, in exchange for a pair of future third round picks in the WHL prospects draft. Today, the Royals announced that Novak would be joining their team next season.
This isn't all that uncommon in the CHL. I followed a WHL team for many years, and on many occasions I can recall seeing European players choose not to play for a specific team. Often, there are verbal agreements in place between team and player before the import draft even takes place.
Filip and his representation obviously saw a better fit elsewhere, which prompted Victoria to swoop in and make the deal to secure his rights.
There is a lot to like in his game.
Novak has enough size and raw talent to make him a very intriguing prospect. He's a hard working player that was unable to put up big scoring numbers in his draft year, because he was playing against men in his native Czechia.
Now, he will get a chance to gain some confidence by playing against some of the best players in his age group, which should open up more offensive opportunities for him.
This is the most obvious correct move for his development. Stagnating his progression with limited minutes against men in a second tier pro league does not make sense. I think Filip will be an immediate impact player for the Royals, which will certainly help give us a better idea of where his development stands.
Suffice it to say, I'm excited to see him against his own peers.
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