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The Buffalo Sabres have signed 2018 fourth-round draft pick Matej Pekar, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.
I am very proud and honored that I signed my first NHL contract with @buffalosabres. Thank you all the people who helped to get to this moment. pic.twitter.com/Nwuk723xos
— Matej Pekar (@mpekar10) October 17, 2018
The 18-year-old is already making an impact in the Ontario Hockey League. In just 10 games with the Barrie Colts, Pekar has already registered 11 points, including six goals. He’s also accumulated 10 penalty minutes.
For a while, it was unclear just where Pekar was going to end up playing this season. He had committed to the University of Miami (OH) but was also a possibility to return to the USHL. Pekar played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks last season and put up 54 points (14-40) in 56 games.
Pekar grabbed Sabres’ fans attention at this summer’s development camp, where he showcased the edgy, feisty side to his game. He is, of course, the player who got laid out by Rasmus Dahlin on “the hit” that circulated around Twitter throughout the hockey world.
Pekar has compared himself to the playing style of Boston Bruins’ pest Brad Marchand, chirping players and getting under their skin. While fans of other teams may not like him, he’s sure to be popular in Buffalo.
The Czech Republic native has represented his country on multiple occasions, including the 2018 IIHF World U18 Championships.