New Detroit Red Wings forward Jakub Rychlovsky is undeterred by the fact that European free agents typically don’t make a significant impact with the team.
He’s determined to be the exception to that trend.
“My dream has come true, I’ll do everything for a spot in the NHL,” Rychlovsky said to Bílí Tygři Liberec’s website.
As an unrestricted free agent, Rychlovsky signed a two-year, two-way rookie contract with the Red Wings that could earn him up to $1.74 million.
At 22, Rychlovsky acknowledges that the recent changes in his life and hockey career feel somewhat surreal.
“If someone had told me this a year ago, I probably wouldn’t have believed them,” Rychlovsky told the Czech website isport.blesk.cz.
After leading the Czech Extraliga with 26 goals last season, Rychlovsky became a highly sought-after player.
“In the past year, so many things have happened that my life has been turned upside down,” Rychlovsky explained. “A year ago, I wouldn’t have expected my career to take off like this.
“I certainly appreciate it a lot. I will do my best to keep progressing in hockey.”
