All signs point to Dalibor Dvorský playing in Europe next year

We’ve been talking about it for a few weeks now. Dalibor Dvorský is one of the top prospects for next week’s NHL draft in Nashville.

The young man’s performances at the 2023 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup have opened many eyes among the various scouts on the Bettman circuit. The Slovak recorded 12 points, including eight goals, in the space of five short games…

And that boosted his candidacy as one of the players likely to be selected in the top-10 at the draft. He’s been so good, in fact, that some have linked him to the CH and the fifth overall pick in the upcoming draft.

But, realistically, it would be a bit surprising to see him picked that early. I don’t want to take anything away from him, but there are other more than interesting candidates who could come out before him.

Regardless of where he ends up, Dvorský may well wait before making the jump to the NHL. At least, that’s what it sounds like when we hear that he’s about to sign a contract with IK Oskarshamn, a Swedish team that plays in the SHL.

Remember that young European players often have an escape clause in their contract that allows them to return to play in Europe if they don’t make the big time in the NHL.

The difference, however, is that there doesn’t seem to be any talk of a long-term contract for Dvorský in Europe. Michkov, on the other hand, is tied to SKA St. Petersburg until the end of the 2024-2025 season.

Personally, I’ve always been a little reluctant to see a prospect return to Europe to develop. I say that because we’re not talking about the same style of play, and I say that because the rinks are bigger than in North America.

It’s just not the same game.

But then again. If the main player feels that this is the best solution for him, that’s what he’ll do. And I imagine the team that selects him will have something to say about that too.

In brief

– So many good words for Connor McDavid.

– The new fan favorite.

– Can’t wait to see it.

– I hope for his sake that he’ll be able to come back healthy, once and for all.

– The Sparrows will have to take advantage.