With all of the fuss about Kaapo Kakko and Adam Fox, there’s been little talk about one of the of the New York Rangers’ most promising rookies, Libor Hajek.
If there is one rookie who has a head start on winning a starting job with the New York Rangers this fall, it is defenseman Libor Hajek. In a brief audition with the Blueshirts last season, he displayed poise and ability and indications that he could be a rock on defense for years to come.
It’s important to remember that Libor Hajek is still a rookie. He has only played five games in the NHL, scoring his first NHL goal in his last game, the game he separated his shoulder in an injury that ended his season. What he showed in those five games over nine days was enough to impress the front office, coaches and fans alike.
He made his debut on March 1, playing 17:35 in a 4-2 loss to Montreal.
“It’s the NHL. That was the best.”
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 2, 2019
Libor Hajek talks about his #NYR debut. pic.twitter.com/IyBRsalOKt
He saw only 12 minutes of ice time in his next game, but Coach David Quinn began to lean on him heavily the next two games. He played 17:02 in a loss to Dallas, but had a season high 21:44 in a shootout loss to Detroit.
On March 9, the 21-year old scored his first goal in a 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils, but was checked hard into the boards by Blake Coleman in the third period. He made it to the bench and left for the locker room, never to return.
After he was injured, the Rangers’ coach spoke to the New York Post about his poised NHL performance:
"“So I think he put a lot of pressure on himself because of the trade and I think once he got settled in and realized he didn’t have to do that, he turned a corner. His physical play, how quick he thought, not being rattled by the situation stepping into the National Hockey League, not looking fazed and just the way he defended. There are a lot of good things in his game.” – David Quinn"
There has been no news about Hajek’s recovery, but at the time of the injury, recovery time was estimated to be about four weeks. He should be ready to go in training camp and there is a chance he may be on the team roster at the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City.