In February 2024, Adam Ružička was unexpectedly released by the Arizona Coyotes. However, Slovak reports suggest that he might soon make a comeback to the NHL. The 26-year-old winger spent last season playing for Spartak Moscow in the KHL, and the club is reportedly eager to bring him back. According to Spartak’s senior advisor, a former player named Nuravalerikamenski, negotiations are ongoing. While the process may take some time, Ružička appears to be awaiting a specific NHL offer.
Ružička’s NHL history includes 40 points over 114 games with the Calgary Flames from 2021 to 2024. In late January 2024, Arizona claimed him off waivers but released him after just three games due to a controversial incident where Ružička posted a video on Instagram showing a white powder line and a credit card, which he quickly removed.
Last season in the KHL, Ružička scored 45 points in 65 regular-season games and added 12 points in 12 playoff contests. Spartak finished third in the Western Conference but was eliminated in the second playoff round. Upon signing with Spartak, Ružička expressed excitement about playing alongside his brother-in-law, Mikal Jakovsky.
Another notable Slovak player, defenseman Chazikovsky, who was part of Slovakia’s 2022 Olympic bronze-medal team, recently left Spartak and is now a free agent as well.
Ružička’s potential return to the NHL or departure from the KHL may also be influenced by his desire to compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics. Slovakia reversed a ban on KHL players last summer, but the decision remains controversial among fans, media, and players.
Slovakia secured its spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics hockey tournament in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, after defeating Kazakhstan in the qualifying round. Some national team members, including brothers Martin and Christian Pospisil, have expressed hesitance about playing with KHL players. The Slovak squad that competed at the latest IIHF World Championships, which included two active KHL players, failed to advance past the quarterfinals.
If KHL players are chosen over full-time NHLers, it could affect national team selections. Ružička’s lone appearance for Slovakia’s senior national team was at the 2022 Olympics, and he also competed in three IIHF World Junior Championships.
Fan Take: Adam Ružička’s possible NHL return is exciting news for hockey fans, especially Slovak supporters eager to see their talent on the big stage again. His career move could influence future player eligibility and team dynamics for Slovakia in international competitions, adding an intriguing layer to the ongoing KHL-NHL-Olympic relationship.
