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From The Outs to a Strong Olympic Showing: Is Adam Ruzicka Headed Back to the NHL?

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 1:50 PM ET

As per Elliotte Friedman on the most recent 32 Thoughts podcast, an interesting name might be making his way back to the NHL. Nothing is imminent, but the NHL insider heaped praise upon Adam Ruzicka, saying, “You know who’s looked really good for Slovakia… I wonder if he’s a guy who gets invited back to the NHL or brought back to the NHL at some point?”

After a sudden NHL exit in 2024, one that included incriminating video footage of him abusing drugs, the 26-year-old Slovak wasn’t going to find many opportunities in the NHL. But, he turned heads at the Milano Cortina Olympics.

Could this be the start of a legitimate comeback story?

The 2024 Exit

In March 2024, Ruzicka was caught on Instagram Live using cocaine, leading to immediate waivers and contract termination by the Arizona Coyotes. That he tried to deny it only made matters worse. It was foolish, public, and costly as his status in the NHL was taken away, virtually overnight.

At the time, it felt like he’d potentially done too much damage to get another look. Production has a funny way of making people forget. At 26, he is still young enough to be useful and rewrite his narrative. The world of hockey has seen plenty of second chances, and while his situation wasn’t pretty, it’s not the worst story to catch attention.

His KHL Resurgence

Following failed attempts to get a chance in the NHL, Ruzicka signed with Spartak Moscow in the KHL. During the 2024-25 season, he’s scored 26 goals and 45 points. In this current 2025-26 season, he’s got 16 goals and 40 points. Just 48 games in, that’s a solid 0.83 P/GP.

He plays consistent top-six minutes, is a power-play contributor, and he still possesses the skill and size (6’4″, 229 lbs) that made him a former solid Calgary Flames draft pick (2017, 2nd round).

His performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 for Slovakia has also caught people’s attention. In five games played (through prelims/semifinal push), he had two goals and five points. That includes a goal and game-winner vs. Italy, all while centering the top line with Juraj Slafkovsky.

Friedman noted he “looked really good” and could prompt NHL calls.

Why an NHL Return Makes Sense Now

Ruzicka’s prime years are still ahead of him. And, potentially enough time has passed that his incident is something teams are willing to overlook.

If he were to sign a PTO or cheap one-way deal, teams needing bottom-six size/skill or PP help could benefit. And, like other players who seemingly washed out of previous organizations, many have gone on to be quite productive again. Players like Corey Perry (Chicago), Evander Kane (San Jose), and others have returned after off-ice issues. Perry is still providing value at the NHL level.

Friedman says, “I could see someone calling.” The question is, which teams might bite?

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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