Former 2nd-Round Pick Defenseman Signs With Penguins AHL Team

Libor Hajek, a 25-year-old defenseman originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round (37th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft, recently made headlines as he embarked on a new chapter in his hockey journey.

Following his participation in the Pittsburgh Penguins' training camp on a professional tryout contract, Hajek officially secured a spot with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

New York Rangers' unrestricted free agent (UFA) D Libor Hájek has signed a one-year contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL).#NYR #LetsGoPens

(📷: Blue Seat Blogs) pic.twitter.com/6m2Mo37PUk

— Around The Horn Hockey (@ATHornHockey) October 17, 2023

While he didn't secure an NHL contract with Pittsburgh, his impressive performance during camp earned him this opportunity.

Hajek brings a wealth of experience to his new AHL team, having played 110 NHL games with the New York Rangers and 118 AHL games split between the Hartford Wolf Pack and Syracuse Crunch.

The Penguins have signed defenseman Libor Hájek to an AHL contract for the 2023-24 season: https://t.co/jZX068HBun pic.twitter.com/b0nN21Ki6v

— WBS Penguins (@WBSPenguins) October 17, 2023

Over his five-year career in the NHL, the 25-year-old has scored four goals and 12 total points across 110 games played, along with a -9 plus/minus rating.

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 209 pounds, Hajek's presence is expected to bolster the Penguins' defensive lineup, demonstrating the organization's commitment to developing talent within their farm system while keeping an eye on his potential to contribute to the NHL team in the future.

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports