A break out season in the Slovak Extraliga, the top-tier league in that country, appears to have landed its top-scorer an NHL contract. Samuel Bucek, 23, scored 41 goals and 64 points through 50 regular season games in 2021-22. He added another impressive 19 goals and 24 points in 19 playoffs games with Nitra MHC. In an interview in Slovakia, Bucek was asked what his plans for next season include. He said he's negotiating a contract with the Seattle Kraken.
"I would be very happy if that were the case, but it is not yet certain," said Bucek. It's in the process of being resolved, it's being negotiated and I will see if it goes through. I'd like to, because it's every hockey player's dream to play in the NHL, and it's mine as well. I've always wanted to do it and I really hope that it will work out, that everything that needs to be done will be done and that I'll go there."
Bucek was never drafted into the NHL, but he has come to North America before. He played in the QMJHL and the USHL between 2015 and 2018. He was awarded the Slovak Extraliga's "Golden Skate" this past season as the league's top playoff performer. He was unable to compete with Slovakia at the World Championship in Finland due to an undisclosed health issue, but expects to be back on the ice very soon.
Source:
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