Former Fan Favorite Bruins Forward Signs Overseas Deal

Former Boston Bruins forward Jakub Lauko is returning home to continue his professional hockey career.

Lauko went into free agency as an unrestricted free agent after general manager Don Sweeney decided not to bring the forward back. Instead of signing with a new NHL team, Lauko signed with HC Dynamo Pardubice in the Czech Extraliga, the club announced on Friday.

The gritty forward was born in Prague, but grew up in Chomutov in northern Bohemia.

“One of the main reasons why I decided to join Pardubice was the coaching staff. I know Filip Pešán and Karel Mlejnek quite well. Of course, ambition is also important,” Lauko said, per the team’s press release via Google Translate. “I have already spoken with Roman Červenka, Martin Kaut and also with other guys I played with, whether in the youth or in the national team. It will be more pleasant for me if I join a team where I know a lot of players.”

The 25-year-old was drafted by the Bruins during the 2018 NHL Draft in the third round. He played his first two NHL seasons in Boston before being traded to the Minnesota Wild during the 2024 NHL Draft.

With Lauko being a fan favorite during his first few years with the Bruins, Boston brought him back during the 2025 trade deadline, along with Marat Khusnutdinov.

He played 139 career NHL games across three seasons with the Bruins and Wild, totaling 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points. While Lauko has been big defensively, he wants to learn how to produce more offense with his new team.

“I play hard and energetic. I believe I’m good defensively, but I also want to wake up offensively and contribute to the team in that regard,” Lauko said.