What happened: General manager Ryan Johnson cited Novotný’s skating, puck control and quick release after seeing him at development camp in Abbotsford. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound forward also drew praise for his competitiveness and leadership.
Why it matters: The deal brings a recent first-round selection into Vancouver’s development pipeline ahead of 2026-27. His experience in the OHL, Czech professional hockey and international tournaments gives the organization several benchmarks for his progression.
By the numbers: Novotný produced 65 points on 34 goals and 31 assists in 58 OHL games last season, a rate of 1.12 points per game. He added one assist in six playoff games.
What to watch: Novotný’s 2026-27 assignment and performance against older competition will show how quickly he can advance toward an NHL role.