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Canucks Novotný speaks ahead of NHL preseason debut and reflects on first two days of training camp

Photo credit: © Tav Morisson-CanucksArmy

By Jacob Fraser

Sep 19, 2026, 16:15 EDTUpdated: Sep 19, 2026, 15:13 EDT

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Adam Novotný, the Vancouver Canucks’ 24th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, is set to make his NHL preseason debut tonight against the Seattle Kraken. This will be his first chance to make an impression in game action after two days at Canucks training camp in Penticton.

After morning skate, Novotný met with the media. When asked about the opportunity to play in what will essentially be his first NHL game, Novotný said, “It feels amazing. It’s an NHL preseason game, and obviously it’s the start of something. And I took this opportunity to show something, and it’s so exciting. I can’t wait to be in Seattle and play the game. So, yeah, very exciting day for me, and I can’t wait.”

He added that Canucks fans can expect him to play with a lot of energy and speed, and that he wants to be an “overall threat” tonight against the Kraken.

In the team’s morning skate before making the trip down, Novotný was lined up on the wing, with Ilya Safonov down the middle and Trey Fix-Wolanski on the other side.

Throughout training camp, Novotný has been lined up primarily with Arshdeep Bains and Braeden Cootes. When asked about Cootes, who also took part in his first camp last season, Novotný shared some of the discussions he’s been having with the 2025 first-round pick.

“Obviously it’s great to be around him, be on a line with him in a Rookie Showcase, and he went through the same situation, and he played some games. And obviously I asked him, how was it? How did it feel? And obviously it was unbelievable. So it’s great to be around him and kind of be in the same situation and kind of learn something new from him.”

Throughout the first two days of camp, the young Czech winger has been as advertised. An excellent shooter, with size and some grit to his game. In reflection on his experience so far, Novotný noted that the speed and size of the players he’s competing with are on another level. “It’s another level from the Rookie Showcase, and this is gonna be, again, faster, stronger guys and everything. So yeah, it’s gonna be the next step for me, and yeah, I just wanna be prepared for that and help the team win.”

Novotný added that his countryman Filip Hronek has taken him under his wing during this camp, and has already taken him to dinner twice.

The Canucks and Kraken are set to take the ice in Seattle at 6:00 PM. For Canucks fans, this will be the first chance to get a look at Novotný in NHL competition.