Veteran center attempting NHL comeback

Free-agent center Adam Ruzicka turned to the KHL last season and had a solid showing in Russia with Spartak but notably hasn’t signed a new deal there yet.  Spartak adviser Valeri Kamensky told Alexander Abustin of Sport-Express that the reason Ruzicka hasn’t re-signed yet is because he’s holding out hope to get another NHL opportunity.

The 26-year-old was a fourth-round pick by Calgary back in 2017, going 109th overall.  He spent parts of four seasons with the Flames before being claimed off waivers by Arizona in early 2024.  However, a month later, Ruzicka and the Coyotes agreed on a mutual contract termination a month later, making him an unrestricted free agent.  After another NHL chance didn’t materialize in short order, he ultimately signed with Spartak in late May 2024.

Ruzicka was certainly productive in Russia, notching 26 goals and 19 assists in 65 regular-season games, good for fifth in team scoring.  He was even better in the playoffs, picking up seven goals and five helpers in 12 postseason contests, making the most of his opportunity to play a more offensive role after being more of a depth player in the NHL.

Over his four NHL seasons, Ruzicka has played in 117 games, picking up 14 goals and 26 assists.  However, a good chunk of that production came in 2022-23 when he recorded 20 points in just 44 games with Calgary before his output tailed off the following year.  Basically, he’s not too far removed from being a legitimate depth contributor at the top level.

Kamensky acknowledged that discussions are underway with Ruzicka so if he doesn’t get another NHL look, he’ll simply re-sign.  But, for now at least, it appears he’s hoping to get another chance at the top level first.