Canucks Draft Adam Novotný 24th Overall

With the 24th pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Vancouver Canucks have selected Adam Novotný from the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

About Adam Novotný

After being the ninth selection in the CHL’s (Canadian Hockey League) 2024 Import Draft, Adam Novotný spent his draft-year minus-one season in Czechia before coming to play for the Peterborough Petes for his draft-year season. He immediately became the star the Petes hoped he would be, leading the team in points (65 in 58 games). He showcased the playmaking and goal-scoring ability to make him a dual threat on the ice and the hands to go with it.

While his offensive numbers at the U20 WJC (World Junior Championship) with Czechia may not have stood out (three points), he was still a consistent presence and has been at the international level for his home country. Given how quickly Novotný adapted to the North American game with Peterborough, the future looks bright for him to become a strong NHL player.

THW Prospect Profile Excerpt

“Offensively, Novotný not only relies on his motor but is also a powerful, strong player, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds. He is great at using his body to protect the puck and take contact while making plays, and he has no problem engaging in board battles.”

“Some of his smooth transition to North American hockey can be attributed to the fact that Novotný already plays a North American style of game, with a work ethic and motor on the ice that never seems to stop. Wherever he is on the ice, whether offensively or defensively, he is always looking to make an impact and is constantly moving around.”

Continue reading the full player profile here.

How This Affects Canucks’ Plans

Novotný will return to Peterborough next season and is likely a few seasons away from making an impact on the Canucks’ NHL roster. But when he does reach the NHL, he will help bring the strong mix of goal-scoring and playmaking abilities he has to a team that could have the likes of Braeden Cootes, Tom Willander, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, and fellow 2026 draftee Caleb Malhotra on it. Being able to fill a role of facilitator and goal-scorer should help make Novotný a top-six forward for the Canucks, and the aforementioned other prospects and Canuck players will benefit greatly from his play. Getting him at #24 could end up being a massive win long-term for the Canucks.