Rangers Loan Libor Hajek to Czech Extraliga
The defense prospect returns to his original club to see some action after a long layoff.
The New York Rangers loaned defenseman Libor Hajek to HC Kometa Brno of the Czech Extraliga, according to the Kometa team website.
Hajek, 22, had a turbulent 2019-20 season in the Rangers’ system, struggling at the NHL level before a knee injury sidelined him and eventually led to a demotion to the AHL upon his return to health.
Hajek had not played in a competitive game since March 11 and the new NHL and AHL seasons are slated to begin in December at the earliest, which would be a major layoff period for a player at a critical juncture of his development. Brno’s regular season begins on September 18, which will allow for Hajek to get meaningful game action very soon.
No long-term plan has been made public but, presumably, the Rangers will monitor Hajek’s progress with his boyhood club and will make a determination on whether to terminate the loan and bring him back to North America in time for training camp.
