Kral, who was a Penguins defense prospect last season, signed a contract with HC Kometa Brno of the top Czech league on Tuesday. Kral's hometown is just north of Brno, and he grew up playing in the Brno system. He played his first professional games with the club in 2016-17.
"Everyone probably knows that I have been coaching him since the 3rd grade," Kometa coach Libor Zabransky said of signing Kral. " wanted Filip to make it in the NHL, but on the other hand, I am happy that he is coming to Kometa. This fulfills my wish that our young players return to their parent club."
Kral, 25, spent all of last season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, scoring seven goals and 22 assists in 61 games, missing long stretches due to injury. He earned a recall at the very end of the season after Kris Letang's heart surgery but sat in the finale as Vladislav Kolyachonok drew back in over him.
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THE ASYLUM
Taylor Haase
5:07 pm - 05.06.2025DowntownKral signs in Czechia
Filip Kral is heading home.
Kral, who was a Penguins defense prospect last season, signed a contract with HC Kometa Brno of the top Czech league on Tuesday. Kral's hometown is just north of Brno, and he grew up playing in the Brno system. He played his first professional games with the club in 2016-17.
"Everyone probably knows that I have been coaching him since the 3rd grade," Kometa coach Libor Zabransky said of signing Kral. " wanted Filip to make it in the NHL, but on the other hand, I am happy that he is coming to Kometa. This fulfills my wish that our young players return to their parent club."
Kral, 25, spent all of last season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, scoring seven goals and 22 assists in 61 games, missing long stretches due to injury. He earned a recall at the very end of the season after Kris Letang's heart surgery but sat in the finale as Vladislav Kolyachonok drew back in over him.
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