Defenseman Libor Hajek signs with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Seth Rorabaugh | Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:40 a.m.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Penguins defenseman Libor Hajek checks Columbus Blue Jackets forward Eric Robinson during a preseason game at PPG Paints Arena on Sept. 24.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins signed defenseman Libor Hajek to an American Hockey League contract for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

That transaction was announced via a release Tuesday.

Hajek, 25, attended the Pittsburgh Penguins training camp in September and October on a professional tryout contract but did not receive a regular contract. He appeared in three preseason games and recorded one assist as well as one shot.

A native of Smrcek, Czechia, Hajek was a second-round selection of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The left-hander has spent parts of five seasons in the NHL, all with the New York Rangers. In 110 career NHL games, Hajek (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) has 12 points (four goals, eight assists) while averaging 14:53 of ice time per contest.

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