NHL Rumors: Huge Free Agent D-Man In Talks With Large Number of NHL Teams

Size on the blueline is always at a premium in the NHL, so it's no wonder that 11 NHL teams have scouted 6'6" Czech defenseman Mikulas Hovorka, who is now eligible, due to a transfer agreement, to sign with an NHL team.

The 22-year-old right-shot D-man played in 51 games in the Czech Extraliga with Ceske Budejovice HC, recording five goals and 11 assists along with a plus/minus rating of +14.

He said he was told in advance by several NHL teams that they would have scouts in attendance watching him, but he tried not to let that affect his game:

"I knew there were scouts at the games, but I tried to stay away from it, just focus on doing my best and being valid for the team," he told his team website. "It was of course a motivation for me, but I didn't want to let it go to my head."

Hovorka added that he expects to sign soon with an NHL team, and he even provided a regional preference, stating he'd like to be on the East Coast, "to be closer to Europe."

I am in the stage of advanced negotiations and I personally want to take advantage of the opportunity and go to America.

Hovorka would be eligible to sign a two-year, entry-level contract with an NHL club, and the odds are that his first taste of hockey in North America would be at the AHL level. 

Photo: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports