Saskatoon Blades defenceman Libor Hajek was selected 37th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The Tampa Bay Lightning snagged the blueliner on Saturday in the second round.
The 18-year-old, from Smrcek, Czech Republic, was a pillar of strength on the blue line for the Blades, who acquired him with their second overall pick during the 2015 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft.
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Hajek played the 2015-16 season with Saskatoon, registering 26 points and 76 penalty minutes in 69 games. He led all rookies on the team for points and assists with 23.
His strong season in the Western Hockey League (WHL) led to him being ranked 31st among North American skaters in the final Central Scouting rankings.
The Lightning traded defenseman Anthony DeAngelo to the Arizona Coyotes for pick No. 37 and snagged Hajek, who jumped to his feet Saturday at the draft being held at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y.
The blueliner has competed numerous times on the international stage. He’s represented his home country at the last two Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournaments, helping Team Czech Republic win silver in 2014.
Tampa Bay used their first-round pick to select Brett Howden at No. 27. Howden also plays in Saskatchewan for the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors.
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