Jiri Sekac

Sekac was a highly-sought free agent this offseason, coming out of the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia. The Czech winger was reported to have several NHL suitors, but chose the Canadiens, who employ fellow Kladno native Tomas Plekanec. He’s viewed as a highly-skilled winger with good puck possession skills and playmaking capabilities. This will be his second go-round in North America -- a teenaged-Sekac played eight games in the Ontario Hockey League in 2009 and a couple of seasons in the United States Hockey League before returning to Europe. He’s matured some since failing to stick in the NHL orbit, and blew off a lucrative offer from a Czech team to return to North America. He has size (6-foot-2, 182 pounds), and stood out at the Habs’ development camp in the summer. General manager Marc Bergevin said Sekac will have a chance to compete for a roster spot, as the Habs shed wingers in the offseason. The Canadiens are clearly high on Sekac, but whether he’s NHL-ready in 2014 will be decided in training camp. If he doesn’t make the Canadiens’ opening night roster, Sekac said he will accept an assignment to AHL Hamilton.