At just 19 years old, Adam Sykora stepped into this year’s development camp assuming a leadership role for New York Rangers prospects. It’s a role he embraces, even at his young age, and highlights how there’s more than meets the eye with the second-round pick from the 2022 NHL Draft.
Sykora is coming off his first pro season, when he was among the youngest players in the American Hockey League. He more than held his own as a solid two-way forward and made a positive impression on the Rangers front office.
“One of the youngest kids in the AHL, he got better as the year went on,” Rangers director of player development Jed Ortmeyer explained Tuesday. “He’s a kid that is happy to come to the rink every day with a smile on his face and infectious energy that spreads throughout the room.”
A big part of Sykora’s game is his leadership, energy, and the positive energy. He showcased this in Hartford last season and as captain for Slovakia at the 2023-24 World Junior Championship.
Next, he’d love the chance to bring the total package to the NHL with the Rangers.
Sykora bringing confidence to Rangers development camp
Sykora exudes confidence, but does not come across as cocky at all. In fact, he’s built quite the reputation as a hard worker already.
“I felt like when I came back from World Juniors, I got more confident with the puck,” Sykora mentioned Wednesday. “I know in the first part of the season I maybe had more points, but in the other half I played much better with the puck and created more scoring chances.”
In 66 games with the Wolf Pack, Sykora registered 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) and added three more assists in 10 Calder Cup Playoff games. The Rangers believe the offense will come as he matures and gets physically stronger. No improvement is needed with his attitude, however.
“I feel the same way as back home,” Sykora said. “It’s my job there to bring energy on the bench and cheer for the guys, and just be there for them and be there for the team. I try to improve that too, but I feel like I did a great job last year.”
Sykora played mostly on left wing last season but he’s also played center in the past. He received time on both Hartford’s power play and penalty kill last season, and saw improvements in all facets of his game.
“My goal is, of course, to come here and prepare myself,” Sykora explained. “I want to get stronger and get faster. I want to work on my mind too. That’s important too. So, everything has to be better.”
Very well-said for a 19-year-old preparing for his second professional season. Leading the way at development camp alongside top prospects like Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard is the next step helping Sykora become a full-time NHL player one day.
