Chicago Blackhawks select Adam Gajan No. 35 overall in 2023 NHL Draft

The Chicago Blackhawks have selected Slovakian netminder Adam Gajan No. 35 overall in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Gajan last played for the Chippewa Steel of the North American Hockey League.

The 6-foot-3 netminder made a name for himself this season. He was off to a hot start with the Steel, winning four of his first five games. Gajan posted a 19-12-1 record in 34 games, which featured a 2.57 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. He was named NAHL goalie of the month in March. Gajan also saw action with the Green Bay Gamblers in the United States Hockey League (USHL). In just his second USHL appearance, he posted a 27-save shutout. He would post a 5-1-0 record to go with a .906 save percentage.

Gajan made headlines though at the 2023 World Juniors, where he stunned the United States with a 33-save performance to help the Slovaks win 6-3. He then almost upset Canada, allowing just three goals and pushing the game into overtime before No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard found the back of the net on the 57th shot of the evening. Gajan was named top goaltender.

“Teams will be willing to play the patient route for a guy they didn’t know much about nine months ago,” said Daily Faceoff Senior Prospect Analyst Steven Ellis. It might be another three to four years until he’s ready for his NHL shot. But there’s a reason scouts label him as a possible “starting goaltender.” He has the size, mindset and athleticism to succeed in the pro game. It’s about harnessing all that and proving he’s more than just a guy who went on a hot streak and took the scouting world by storm. And I think he proved that with his play in the NAHL”

Gajan committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth but will join Green Bay for the 2023-24 season.