3 Potential Landing Spots For Libor Hajek
New York Rangers defenseman Libor Hajek has not played a single game with the team this regular season. Yet, the team cannot send him down to the AHL, as he is waiver eligible and they'd run the risk of losing him for nothing. With Hajek being 23 years old, he still has room for improvement, so the Rangers can't do that. Yet, with the Blueshirts' depth on the backend, he has become expendable.
There should be plenty of other teams willing to give the 2016 second round pick a look. Here are three who come to mind.
Detroit Red Wings: Steve Yzerman originally drafted Hajek when he was general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Since joining the Red Wings, he hasn't been afraid to acquire players who he previously drafted. Adam Erne and Mitchell Stephens are two examples of this. Thus, would it be all that surprising to see him do the same thing with Hajek? He also fits their current age group, as the Red Wings are of course a young and rising team.
Arizona Coyotes: The Coyotes have embraced their rebuild and currently have a 0-8-1 record. The playoffs aren't going to happen this season for them, but that doesn't automatically mean that they wouldn't be open to add a young player like Hajek. Arizona could be an excellent opportunity for him to be a full-time NHLer again. In fact, his role could be pretty large there when looking at their current roster.
Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks are another rebuilding team who could benefit Hajek. He would have to play bottom-pair minutes there, as they have Hampus Lindholm and Cam Fowler on their left side. However, Lindholm's time with the Ducks could be over very shortly, as he has one year left on his deal and is in the rumor mill. Thus, the potential to eventually play top-four minutes could be there for Hajek. Furthermore, like with the Coyotes, the Ducks certainly would love to add more youth with possible upside to their squad.
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