Canucks sign Adam Novotný to Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract

The Vancouver Canucks have announced the signing of Petes forward Adam Novotný to a three-year, entry level contract.

Novotný, a forward from Kobylice, Czechia, was selected by the Canucks in the first round, 24th overall, in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, after spending the 2025-26 season with the Petes. Peterborough originally selected him in the first round, 8th overall, of the 2024 CHL Import Draft. In his first season in Peterborough, Novotný played in 58 games, scoring 34 goals and adding 31 assists for 65 points. He was also named a finalist for the William Hanley Trophy for the league’s Most Sportsmanlike Player. 

“Congratulations to Adam on this amazing accomplishment,” said Petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke. “Adam has certainly put the work in to reach this point in his career, and it comes as no surprise to any of us on the staff to see him achieve this milestone. I’d also like to extend a congratulations to the Novotny family, who have supported Adam through every step of his hockey journey. We’re all incredibly proud of what he has accomplished so far in his career and are looking forward to supporting him as he continues to work towards his goal of playing in the NHL.”

Before coming to Peterborough, the 2007-born forward featured in 41 games for Mountfield HK in Czechia’s top professional league, scoring one goal and adding two assists for three points. He also featured in 10 playoff games for Mountfield, scoring twice. In 2023, Novotný made his debut in the Czech Extraliga for Mountfield, scoring in his first game and becoming the youngest player to score a goal in the league at 15.

“We are so happy for Adam, earning his entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks,” noted Petes Director of Player Personnel and Assistant Coach Patrick O’Connor. “Working with him every day, it is no surprise that he’s accomplished this. He is an elite athlete who is fully committed to developing and becoming a professional player in the NHL. This could not have happened to a nicer young man. Congratulations, Adam, you’ve earned it.”

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson had this to say about the signing in a media release sent out by the team: 

“Character, compete and a winning mentality, those are three of the things we really appreciate about Adam’s DNA. It was a small sample size, but he showed us a lot at our development camp last month in Abbotsford. Besides his strong skating, puck control, and quick release, Adam was relentless in his pursuit of the puck and battled very hard in each drill.  A coachable and honest player, his leadership qualities were also noticeable, and you could tell right away how committed he is to try to do things the right way. We are very excited to have Adam sign his ELC and we look forward to working with him in the years to come.”