What happened: San Jose reached an agreement with the 28-year-old defenseman on Wednesday. Hajek returns to North America following a three-season stint in the Czech Extraliga, capped by a championship with HC Dynamo Pardubice.
Why it matters: The transaction provides organizational depth as San Jose reshapes its offseason roster. Hajek brings 110 games of NHL experience from his previous tenure with the New York Rangers.
By the numbers: Hajek led all Extraliga defensemen in game-winning goals during the 2023-24 campaign and paced the league in postseason plus-minus the following year. He recorded four goals, 12 points and a minus-9 rating during his NHL career.
What to watch: Hajek will compete for a roster spot when training camp opens ahead of the 2026-27 season.