Vancouver Canucks pick Czech forward Adam Novotný 24th overall in 2026 NHL Draft

Adam Novotný Vancouver Canucks 2026 NHL Draft Czech players record 13 draftees

Czech forward Adam Novotný was selected 24th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft, becoming the sole Czech taken in the first round. Novotný, who logged 34 goals and 31 assists for 65 points in 58 OHL games with the Peterborough Petes, expressed his excitement about joining the Canadian club and representing his country.

The draft saw a record‑tying 13 Czech players chosen, matching the totals of 2005 and 2024. Six of those were goaltenders, the most ever in a single draft. Notable Czech selections included goaltender Tobias Trejbal (42nd overall, Calgary Flames), defender Tomáš Galvas (54th, Pittsburgh Penguins), and defensemen Jakub Vaněček (62nd, Dallas Stars) and Martin Psohlavec (79th, Philadelphia Flyers).

In addition to the Czech surge, the draft set a new Latvian record with four Latvians selected, the highest ever for the nation. The overall event highlighted the depth of European talent entering the NHL.