May 27: HV71 finalized Rousek’s signing today, per a team release. It’s a two-year contract.
May 24: Sabres center Lukas Rousek’s season was extended by at least one more game following AHL Rochester’s victory on Friday in Laval but it appears his time in North America will soon be coming to an end. Expressen’s Johan Svensson reports (subscription link) that Rousek will be joining HV71 of the SHL next season.
The 25-year-old was a sixth-round pick by Buffalo back in 2019, going 160th overall. After spending the following two years in the Czech Extraliga, Rousek came to North America and has spent the last four seasons in Buffalo’s system, primarily at the AHL level.
This season, Rousek played in all 72 games with AHL Rochester, notching seven goals and 35 assists, seeing his per-game numbers dip for the second straight year. He has been more productive in the playoffs though, collecting two goals and six helpers through six games thus far.
Rousek didn’t see any NHL action this season but does have 17 games at the top level with the Sabres during his time with them. In those outings, he has a goal and three assists in 10:42 of ice time per game. Between his age and lack of experience in the NHL, Rousek qualifies for Group Six unrestricted free agency this summer.
Instead of looking to try his hand in another organization to see if he could land a little higher on the depth chart to get another NHL chance, Rousek instead will try his hand with HV71 where he should have a chance to play a prominent role and a good showing with them could boost his stock in North America should he decide to give playing there another push.