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Fate of Vancouver Canucks Free Agent Target Confirmed After Signing Multi-Year Deal Overseas
Photo credit: USA TODAY Sports
A Vancouver Canucks free agent target has decided to leave North America after over 100 NHL games and has signed a multi-year contract overseas in Europe.
We've officially hit the month of August and as we inch closer to hockey returning, the Vancouver Canucks are hoping they can still make another addition to their roster before training camp begins next month.
Throughout the summer, Patrik Allvin has been scouring the market for some help down the middle, either a legit second line centerman or someone who could provide the club with depth, and a number of intriguing options have been suggested including Marco Rossi, Mason McTavish and Jack Roslovic, the latter of whom they've reportedly talked with about a contract.
However one name the club has been linked to recently has made a big decision regarding his future here in North America after over 100 games as a member of the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild.
Vancouver Canucks free agent target decides to sign multi-year contract overseas
Last month, unrestricted free agent forward Jakub Lauko was suggested as a potential depth option for the Vancouver Canucks by Stephan Roget of Canucks Army, who said the following:
"It is the Year of the Rat in the NHL, and Lauko has developed a reputation as a decently effective agitator. He's an adequate two-way fill-in guy in most senses, but perhaps the extra sandpaper could make him a little more interesting than the average replacement-level depth."
A little less than two weeks later and Jakub Lauko has found his new home, however it won't be with another club in the National Hockey League or North America for that matter.
In a press release on Friday, HC Dynamo Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga announced that they've agreed to terms on a three-year contract with Jakub Lauko.
Note: the quotes in this story are translated from Czech
"One of the main reasons why I decided to join Pardubice was the coaching staff. I know Filip Pešán and Karel Mlejnek quite well. Of course, ambition is also important. I have already spoken with Roman Červenka, Martin Kaut and also with other guys I played with, whether in the youth or in the national team. It will be more pleasant for me if I join a team where I know a lot of players," Lauko said,
He added, "I play hard and energetic. I believe I'm good defensively, but I also want to wake up offensively and contribute to the team in that regard,"
He added, "I play hard and energetic. I believe I'm good defensively, but I also want to wake up offensively and contribute to the team in that regard,"
Lauko, a native of Prague, appeared in 56 games with the Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins last season, registering 11 points (five goals, six assists), 47 penalty minutes and was a minus-13.
At the end of June, the 25-year-old was not issued a qualifying offer by the Bruins, making him an unrestricted free agent on Canada Day.
It's unclear at this time when Lauko will make his HC Dynamo Pardubice debut, but it could come as early as next Friday when the club opens their exhibition schedule against Slovan Bratislava of the Slovak Extraliga.
Source: HC Dynamo Pardubice
Jakub Lauko is Dynamo's new signing
Jakub Lauko is Dynamo's new signing
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
AOUT 1 | 1212 ANSWERS Fate of Vancouver Canucks Free Agent Target Confirmed After Signing Multi-Year Deal Overseas Are you disappointed that the Vancouver Canucks didn't end up signing Jakub Lauko? | ||
| Yes | 150 | 12.4 % |
| No, there are better options available | 1062 | 87.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
