The 2025 NHL Draft wrapped up in late June, and among the players selected by Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman was Slovakian forward Michal Svrcek in the fourth round (119th overall).
However, fans are going to have to wait to see what he can do on North American ice. He confirmed recently to the Slovak television channel TVNoviny that he'll be returning to Brynäs IF of the SHL for another season.
“This week I agreed with my agent [Allan Walsh] and Detroit’s management that I will stay with Brynas for the upcoming season, where I’ll try to start the season with the men’s A-team,” he said.
After playing 30 games with the under-20 team in Sweden’s top junior league, he was promoted to the men's team, playing in 17 games and scoring once with two assists.
He still feels fortunate to have been selected by the Red Wings, with whom he said he met with multiple times in the days leading up to the Draft.
“I felt like Detroit could draft me,” Svrcek said. “I talked to them a lot and had great meetings. I was not surprised. It was a great moment. I’ve enjoyed every moment (at camp). I’m so happy.”
Speaking of drafts, Svrcek was also selected by the OHL's Windsor Spitfires in the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.
Before his decision was made to return to Brynäs IF, Svrcek's agent Allan Walsh explained that a collaboration was underway with the Red Wings on where his development could ultimately be helped most in 2025-26.
“There’s a rather complex process involved in the decision of Michal coming to the CHL this year or not,” said Walsh. “We’re actively involved in the process with Michal and Detroit in figuring out where the best place is for him to play and working quickly to make a decision in collaboration with each other.”
At only 18 years old, there is still plenty of time in Svrcek's development for him to hone his skills in hopes of eventually being an impact player at the NHL level.
