Marko Dano’s time in North America has come to an end, at least for now. The 26-year-old is off to the Czech Republic as HC Ocelari Trinec of the Extraliga announced they’ve inked Dano to a two-month contract with a team option to extend the agreement for the full 2021-22 season.
Dano was non-tendered by Winnipeg back in July. For the first time in his professional career, he didn’t see any NHL action as he was limited to just 13 contests with AHL Manitoba where he had just a goal and two assists before being recalled to the taxi squad in late April.
Dano, a first-round pick of the Blue Jackets in 2013 (27th overall), has never really been able to find his footing in the NHL. He has played in 141 career games with four different teams and was back with the Jets for his second stint last season. Now basically an AHL player, it makes sense for him to try his hand overseas and he has landed with an organization that his father played with for six seasons back in the 1990s.
Another one of those precious and highly-touted first round picks who flop. People criticize teams that trade first round picks to take a run at the Cup. Hockey is like MLB. The draft is a crapshoot.
More often for the picks in the 20+ range (save for Edmonton….)
Which is why the Canes offer sheet was a good move (provided a long term deal is worked out).