Czechia forward prospect Adam Novotny (VAN 2026 Draft, 24th overall) has signed a 3-year, entry-level contract with the Canucks, carrying with it an annual cap hit of $1,075,000. Novotny is projected to return to the Peterborough Petes for his second OHL season. However, because he is lauded for his polished play and attention to detail on the defensive side of the puck, his winning a roster spot at Vancouver’s main camp is still very much in play.
Novotny is one of two Vancouver’s two first-round picks in 2026, the other being third overall pick Caleb Malhotra. Because Malhotra is committed to attend Boston University this fall, the elite pivot cannot sign a professional contract and keep his eligibility intact. Therefore, unless he follows the lead of fellow first-rounder Nikita Klepov (ANA), who recently voided his commitment to attend Michigan State University by signing with Anaheim, Malhotra will remain unsigned at this point.
Novotny’s signing represents the 12th first-rounder from this year’s draft to enter into a contract with his professional club. This signing flurry appears to be coming to a close. Fourteen of the remaining unsigned players are committed to compete in college hockey next season, and an additional three (Liam Ruck (WHL Medicine Hat/PIT, Jaxon Cover (OHL London/OTT, Maksim Sokolovskii (OHL London/PHI)) will return to major junior hockey before playing college hockey in 2027-28.