Jakub Rychlovsky will do everything possible to earn a spot on the Detroit Red Wings team roster

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Philippe Patenaude
September 11, 2024 (11:24)

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European free agent forward Jakub Rychlovsky is heading to Detroit to make a strong impression on the Red Wings' decision-makers.

If Jakub Rychlovsky were to write an essay titled "How I Spent My Summer Vacation," it would focus heavily on the Detroit Red Wings. This week, as the NHL rookie games unfold between Detroit and the Dallas Stars, one of the key storylines will be Jakub Rychlovsky's performance in his North American debut.

Jakub Rychlovsky has spared no effort in preparing for this moment. "I trained for four months, which is the longest preparation of my career," Rychlovsky shared with Czech website iDnes.cz. "I believe I've prepared well, and now it's up to me to present myself in the best possible light in Detroit Red Wings and make a strong first impression."

The six-foot, 178-pound left winger comes off a standout season in the Czech Extraliga, where he led the league with 26 goals, earning him a two-year contract with Detroit. Jakub Rychlovsky seems to grasp the Detroit Red Wings' approach to developing prospects, which typically involves spending time in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins before moving up to the NHL.

"If you look at how Detroit Red Wings has managed players historically, they often start in the AHL," Jakub Rychlovsky acknowledges. "I expect my path might be similar, but anything can happen. I'll do my best to fight my way onto the main team."

Unlike some Czech players who moved to North America early to play Canadian junior hockey, Jakub Rychlovsky, at 23, opted to stay home, gaining five seasons of professional experience. "I think it was the best choice for me," he said. "It helped me adapt to senior hockey and assume a key role at a young age."

Attending the Detroit Red Wings' development camp in July gave him his first real taste of the NHL environment. "When I visited the main arena in Detroit, it truly hit me-the level of organization and the support staff is exceptional," Rychlovsky explained.

To prepare for his North American debut, Jakub Rychlovsky has been training with his former team, Liberec, and seeking advice from defenseman Radim Simek, who recently returned to Europe after a stint with the Griffins. "Our discussions were very helpful, and I'm grateful for his guidance," Rychlovsky said.

With the Detroit Red Wings' recent struggles with European free agents, Rychlovsky is determined to make a strong case for himself. "By the end of the season, we'll see if I continue in America or return to Europe," he noted. "The future is uncertain, but I'm ready to give it my all."