Spitfires willing to stay patient waiting for decision on Red Wings pick
Even picking late, the Windsor Spitfires are still feeling great.
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It wasn't until the 53rd pick in the first round that the Spitfires made a selection in Wednesday's Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.
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Still, the club was thrilled to land Slovakian forward Michal Svrcek, who was a fourth-round pick by the Detroit Red Wings in Saturday's NHL Draft.
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'He's a really good player,' Spitfires' general manager Bill Bowler said. 'He skates exceptionally well, has excellent offensive instincts and is always attacking with speed. We hope to get a chance to bring Michal over.'
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Bowler added Kazakstan forward Beksultan Makysh in the second round with the 112th selection and, in the third round with the 139th selection overall, the Spitfires took Switzerland forward Loan Burkhalter.
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'We think we got three players that can play in the OHL and excel,' Bowler said.
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Detroit took the five-foot-11, 189-pound forward with the 119th pick overall and Svrcek wrapped up four days at the team's prospects camp on Thursday.
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'I felt like Detroit could draft me,' the 18-year-old Svrcek said. 'I talked to them a lot and had great meetings. I was not surprised. It was a great moment. I've enjoyed every moment (at camp). I'm so happy.'
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Svrcek is an intriguing prospect, but at this point not a lock to be in Windsor for the 2025-26 season.
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'There's a rather complex process involved in the decision of Michal coming to the CHL this year or not,' said Allan Walsh, who represents Svrcek. 'We're actively involved in the process with Michal and Detroit in figuring out where the best place is for him to play and working quickly to make a decision in collaboration with each other.'
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Svrcek played for several clubs in 2024-25, but spent the majority of the season with the Brynas IF's under-20 team in Sweden's top junior league where he had 14 goals and 30 points in 30 games. While known for his speed and skill, Svrcek also brings some grit to the game.
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'I like to play a fast game,' Svrcek said. 'I try to play on the boards. That's kind of the North American game. Now, I'm going to decide what's best for me.'
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Still, Walsh said he could not think of a better place for Svrcek to grow his game than Windsor.
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'Michal is ecstatic to be drafted by Windsor, but there's a process we have to go through,' said Allen, who said a decision should be made within a few weeks. 'Windsor, in our estimation, is one of the premier destinations for any import coming to the CHL.
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'They do a great job in developing players and taking care of players and have a long tradition of winning. People in management, ownership and amongst the coaching staff are among the highest quality of people you will know.'
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