The Florida Panthers announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to terms with right-handed defenseman Mikulas Hovorka on a two-year, entry-level contract.Hovorka, a 6-foot-6, 229-pound defenseman was undrafted, and despite being signed with Motor Ceske Budejovice of the Czech Extraliga until 2026, used an out clause common in European leagues to sign with Florida.
The 22-year-old Praha, Czechia native skated in 51 games with Motor Ceske Budejovice this season, tallying five goals and 11 assists. He added two assists in three playoff games and has eight goals and 16 assists in 93 career games with Motor Ceske Budejovice. While Hovorka has shown some development and ability in the offensive end, it is his play in his own zone that earned him the NHL contract. That, and his 6-foot-6 frame that allows him to dominate the physical play and end offensive sets with ease.
“Mikulas is a robust defenseman who has performed well playing professionally in Europe for the past several seasons,” said Panthers general manager Bill Zito in a team statement. “We look forward to having him continue his development within our system.” His physicality has resulted in 42 penalty minutes. More importantly, his development has also led to a team-leading plus-14 rating this season after finishing minus-12 last season.The Panthers defeated the Ottawa Senators 2-0 on Tuesday and have only three games remaining before the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Florida sits second in the Atlantic Division, trailing the Boston Bruins by three points.