Dominik Badinka

April 2025 – Badinka has been released from his contract with Malmo in the SHL, with the expectation that he join the Hurricanes AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, in the coming weeks. In 57 games this season, he had two goals and three assists for five points. While the offensive potential didn’t flash this season, he has had good moments of pinching at the right time and making the right pass. Defensively is where he shines, which is why he was able to play an entire season of SHL hockey and continue playing important playoff games. It will be interesting to see if he gets to North America in enough time to play in any Wolves games, but in any case, Badinka will play in North America in the future. Nick Bass

June 2024 – The first player that the Carolina Hurricanes took in the 2024 NHL draft, Badinka is a smooth-skating, highly intelligent right-handed defenseman who split time between the SHL with the Malmo Redhawks and the J20 Nationell. Badinka’s offensive game was evident during his time in the J20, but his defensive game kept him playing meaningful minutes at the SHL level. Nick Bass

June 2024 – Badinka was selected in the second round, 34th overall, by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2024 NHL Draft. Hadi Kalakeche

February 2024 – Badinka is my pick for the likely late riser in this draft class, as his type of profile and toolkit rarely go overlooked among NHL teams. He’s very mobile, composed under pressure, and a capable breakout passer. He uses his aggression, scanning, and physicality with his mobility to effectively defend the rush and the slot at the SHL level. His handling remains quite limited (3.5-grade tool), limiting his on-puck offense, but his fluid off-puck rotations in the offensive zone help create space, time, and defensive confusion. His game exudes maturity, which has been routinely tested by SHL competition; he keeps the simple and effective play in his back pocket while scanning for more dangerous options, making his fall-back option a consistently smart one. Some tool refinement will be needed for Badinka to project as a clear top 4 talent in the NHL. Still, he already possesses many essential building blocks for a modern meat-and-potatoes defenseman. Sebastian High