The Minnesota Wild announced this week that they have secured the services of 18-year-old goaltender Filip Ruzickka on a three-year, entry-level contract that will begin with the 2026-27 season. The agreement was confirmed by general manager Bill Guerin, who highlighted the player’s potential to bolster the organization’s goaltending depth.
Ruzicka, born on March 24, 2008, in Trinec, Czechia, arrives after a standout junior career that spanned both the Western Hockey League and the Czech Republic’s top youth circuit. His rapid ascent has been closely followed by scouts across North America.
During the 2025-26 WHL campaign he appeared in 42 games for the Brandon Wheat Kings, posting a 26-14-1 record, a 3.19 goals-against average and two shutouts. His .906 save percentage placed him tied for seventh among all WHL net minders, underscoring his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
In the Czech U17 league he compiled a 23-15-0 record with a 1.80 GAA, a .943 save percentage and five shutouts in 38 appearances. He ranked second among all goaltenders in wins, GAA and save percentage, a performance that helped Mountfield HK secure a strong finish in the league.
Scouting the Future
The Wild selected him in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL Draft, choosing him with the 137th overall pick. Bill Guerin described the move as a "high-upside addition" that could develop into a cornerstone for the franchise’s long-term goaltending strategy.
Ruzicka will report to the organization’s development camp later this summer, where he will work alongside veteran prospects and coaching staff to refine his technique and adapt to the professional game. Fans can expect to see him in a Wild uniform as early as the 2026-27 season.