A name that world juniors fans might recognize has just inked a deal with the St. Louis Blues.
Czech forward Jakub Stancl has signed a three-year, two-way entry-level contract with St. Louis, the team announced Saturday.
The 19-year-old was drafted by the Blues in the fourth round, 106th overall, in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
He spent last year playing for the Vaxjo Lakers of the SHL in Sweden, scoring one goal in seven regular season games. He also played with the J20 team, notching seven goals and seven assists in 28 games.
But most notably, he was a strong contributor for Czechia at the 2024 IIHF world juniors, picking up four goals and two assists. He netted two goals to help them beat Canada in the quarterfinals and end their chance of a three-peat. Czechia would eventually earn the bronze medal at the tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden.