New York Rangers sign Adam Sykora on final day of prospect camp

Anthony Scultore Updated: Jul 15, 2022

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The New York Rangers announced on Friday, the last day of Development Camp, that they’ve signed Adam Sykora to a three-year entry-level contract. Financial terms have yet to be disclosed.

“I came out after [the scrimmage] and they told me ‘you’re going to sign’,” Sykora said. “I was real excited and happy for it. Great day for me.”

Sykora was the first player the Rangers drafted in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft. The 17 year-old Slovak, recorded 10 goals and 17 points in 46 games with Nitra. He added two goals in five games for Slovakia at the 2021-22 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

“He’s a great kid, great personality and he plays fast, he’s tough,” Former NHLer and Slovak Coach Craig Ramsay said. “He’s little, but he gets knocked down and he doesn’t care. He just goes back and plays.”

New York Rangers sign Adam Sykora

adam sykora brennan othmann — From left, Adam Sykora and Brennan Othmann take part in the Rangers Prospect Development Camp at the Rangers Training facility in Tarrytown July 12, 2022. Rangers Development Camp – Frank Becerra Jr. / The Journal News-USA TODAY NETWORK

The winger, who isn’t very big at 5-10 and 172 lbs, describes himself as a physical player that likes to get under the skin of his opponents.

“I really like Brad Marchand because he’s like a rat and he’s not scared of [bigger players],” Sykora laughed at the draft. “I try to play that way.”

At development camp, he’s lived up to the reputation as being a ball of energy out there. Obviously, he impressed Chris Drury and management enough to earn his first contract.

“It’s part of my game,” he said after an aggressive scrimmage. “Stop before the net and get some conflict.”

The signing also makes Sykora eligible to report to the Hartford Wolf Pack is the Rangers feel that’s best for his development.

“Adam Sykora’s motor is outstanding,” Director of Scouting John Lilley said. “He doesn’t stop working. He’s highly competitive. I don’t want to take away from his skill set and his ability to skate. But he’s definitely a high character, hard-working player.”