According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, the Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman David Spacek to an entry-level contract. The length and financials of the contract are unknown, but it will start in 2023-24.
Spacek, the son of longtime NHL defender Jaroslav Spacek, was a Minnesota fifth-round pick in the 2022 draft. The 20-year-old has 46 points in 49 games (and a staggering +43 rating) with the Sherbrooke Phoenix of the QMJHL this season. He also had a standout performance at this year’s World Junior Championship, guiding Czechia to a silver medal with eight points in seven games.
Spacek went undrafted in 2021 after playing just 10 games between the second-tier Czech professional league and the top junior league, but it’s been a quick ascension up the ranks since. He adds to an already incredibly formidable group of Wild prospects on defense and is already outperforming expectations based on his draft spot.
Given his age, it’s almost certain that Spacek will turn pro next season and join the AHL’s Iowa Wild. He’ll join a team ripe with young talent on defense, including Ryan O’Rourke, Daemon Hunt, and potentially University of Minnesota captain Brock Faber.