Free agent defenseman Jared McIsaac has signed a one-year contract with Czech club HC Litvinov, as confirmed by an official announcement. The 24-year-old Nova Scotian had spent the last six years with the Detroit Red Wings organization, although he never made his NHL debut. A second-round pick by the Red Wings in 2018, McIsaac’s career was hindered by injuries, which limited his playing time. Most of his professional career thus far was spent with Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.
McIsaac faced a particularly challenging season last year. He struggled to maintain a regular spot in Grand Rapids’ lineup and by February had only played in 15 games, recording one goal, three assists, and a -3 rating. In an unusual mid-season move, the Red Wings loaned him to Switzerland’s HC Ambri-Piotta in the National League.
Unfortunately, McIsaac’s stint in Switzerland didn’t pan out as hoped. He played just three regular-season games and one playoff game, receiving limited ice time and failing to register a point. After the Swiss season concluded in March, McIsaac returned to North America but was loaned to the Providence Bruins, Boston’s AHL affiliate, where he again struggled, managing only two assists in 10 games.
Given his recent performance, it wasn’t surprising that the Red Wings chose not to extend a qualifying offer to McIsaac, making him a free agent this offseason. Despite showing promise in the past, with two seasons of 20-plus points in Grand Rapids, his NHL aspirations remain unfulfilled.
HC Litvinov manager Tomas Vrabel expressed optimism about McIsaac’s potential, particularly in power play situations, and hopes that he will be a versatile player for the team. McIsaac joins a roster that includes former NHL players Kevin Czuczman, David Kase, and Ondrej Kase.
