Canucks Sign Key Player To Three-Year Deal
#Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson announced today that the club has agreed to terms with forward Adam Novotný on a three-year, entry-level contract.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) August 11, 2026
DETAILS | https://t.co/5PbjIAy2k1 pic.twitter.com/j15kFCQTbC
Selected by the Canucks with the 24th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, Novotný, 18, is a native of Czechia and came to North America last year, playing for the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. He immediately showed his ability to compete at that level, with 34 goals and 65 points in 58 games.
As noted in The Vancouver Province this week, The Athletic's Scott Wheeler describes the 6'1", 205-lb forward as a “pro-built winger” with “legit speed,” who “plays the game with confidence as a shooter.”
“Character, compete and a winning mentality, those are three of the things we really appreciate about Adam’s DNA,” said Canucks new GM Ryan Johnson. “It was a small sample size, but he showed us a lot at our development camp last month in Abbotsford. Besides his strong skating, puck control, and quick release, Adam was relentless in his pursuit of the puck and battled very hard in each drill.
"A coachable and honest player, his leadership qualities were also noticeable, and you could tell right away how committed he is to try to do things the right way. We are very excited to have Adam sign his ELC, and we look forward to working with him in the years to come.”
Novotny is expected to return to the Petes for another season in 2026-27.
He was the Canucks' second pick of the first round back in June, joining Caleb Malhotra, who was selected at No. 3 overall.