Story Summary
Hartl has decided to leave Kometa Brno and pursue what he described as a Canadian route during the current season. The young forward thanked the club, its management, coaches, team-mates and supporters, saying the decision had been considered at length with his family and agent.
The Boskovice native said the prospect of independence, learning English and taking on a major challenge had persuaded him to make the move now rather than wait. Hartl had not secured a regular place in Kometa’s first-team line-up, despite being regarded as one of the club’s leading young talents.
He made his Czech Extraliga debut for Kometa at 16 against Hradec Králové last September. Across 24 top-flight appearances, Hartl recorded two points, with his first senior goal coming against Třinec in September. This season, he has played 10 games for the senior team and seven for the junior side, recording 10 points in those junior appearances.
Key Facts
- Hartl has decided to leave Kometa Brno during the current season to pursue a move to Canada.
- Hartl said he made the decision after lengthy consideration with his family and agent.
- Hartl made his Czech Extraliga debut for Kometa against Hradec Králové at the age of 16 last September.
- He has played 24 Czech Extraliga games for Kometa and recorded two points.
- Hartl scored his first senior goal against Třinec in September.
- This season, Hartl has played 10 games for Kometa’s senior side and seven for its junior team, where he recorded 10 points.
- Hartl is considered a leading Czech prospect for next year’s NHL Draft, with current projections placing him within the first three rounds.
IHM Discussion
The move ends an important first stage in Hartl’s development at Kometa. His early Extraliga exposure gave him a taste of senior hockey, including a debut at 16 and a first goal this season, but his route to a permanent first-team role had not yet opened.
Hartl’s own explanation is notable for its clarity. He identified personal independence and English-language development alongside the hockey challenge, framing the Canadian move as a wider step in his growth. That is a substantial change to make in the middle of a season, especially for a player who remains in the frame for next year’s NHL Draft.
For Kometa, it means losing a forward who had already reached the senior level and remained part of the club’s junior programme. For Hartl, the next phase will take place outside the system in which he made his first top-flight appearances.
Why It Matters
Hartl’s departure matters because he is among the Czech players attracting attention ahead of next year’s NHL Draft. His 24 Extraliga appearances offer scouts a senior-hockey sample, while his junior production this season supplies further evidence of his offensive contribution at that level.
The decision also removes a young forward from Kometa’s development pathway at a point when he was splitting time between the senior and junior teams. The move is confirmed as a personal choice, but its hockey significance will be judged by how Hartl adapts to the Canadian environment he has chosen.
Mini Q&A
Why is Hartl leaving Kometa Brno?
Hartl said he chose to pursue a Canadian route after considering the situation with his family and agent, citing independence, English and the scale of the challenge.
What has Hartl achieved with Kometa’s senior team?
He made his Extraliga debut at 16, has played 24 league games, recorded two points and scored his first senior goal against Třinec in September.
How does this affect Hartl’s NHL Draft outlook?
Hartl remains regarded as a leading Czech prospect for next year’s NHL Draft, with current projections placing him in the first three rounds.