Story Summary
Tomáš Chrenko, selected 81st overall in the 2026 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers, has decided to remain with his hometown club HK Nitra for the coming season. The 18-year-old forward will still travel to New York for the Rangers’ main training camp this month and is expected to feature in prospect games, but he will complete his secondary education in Slovakia and play the 2026-27 campaign for the reigning Slovak champions.
Key Facts
- Tomáš Chrenko was selected 81st overall in the 2026 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers (third round).
- Kitchener Rangers of the OHL and Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL also hold draft rights to Chrenko.
- Chrenko has chosen to play the 2026-27 season for HK Nitra, the Slovak club where he finished last season as a champion and scored the title-winning goal.
- The primary reason for staying in Slovakia is unfinished secondary school; Chrenko said he must complete his studies before moving abroad.
- He will attend the New York Rangers’ main training camp this month and may play in one or both prospects games against Philadelphia in the coming weekends.
- The Rangers told Chrenko after a July development camp that the decision where he plays is his and that the organisation will support him.
- While in Slovakia, Chrenko will be monitored by a Finnish scout assigned by the Rangers and will receive skating-coach videos from the club.
- Last season in Nitra Chrenko recorded 31 points in 44 regular-season games and added 12 points in 19 playoff games.
- Chrenko scored the decisive gold-winning goal in the championship final for HK Nitra.
- At the IIHF World U20 Championship, Chrenko produced eight points in five games (5 goals, 3 assists).
- He will turn 19 in early November and acknowledges he needs to add muscle and improve his contact play for North American competition.
IHM Discussion
Chrenko’s choice to remain in Nitra for the coming season is straightforward: he wants to finish secondary school. Staying in Slovakia also keeps him with the reigning champions while he attends the Rangers’ training camp and remains in contact with the NHL organisation.
The Rangers have told Chrenko that they will support his decision on where to play. A Finnish scout will follow his games, while skating-coach videos will provide another link to the organisation.
The player has identified physical development and contact play as priorities for a future move to North America. Training camp and possible prospect games against Philadelphia should offer an early measure of where he stands before his season in Nitra begins.
Why It Matters
Chrenko’s decision keeps a recent title-winning scorer in Nitra while allowing him to complete his education. For the Rangers, it provides another season to follow a prospect who produced 31 points in 44 regular-season games and 12 points in 19 playoff games last season.
His eight points in five games at the World U20 Championship underline his offensive potential. The next year will give him time to work on the physical side of his game before any move to North America.
Mini Q&A
Why is Tomáš Chrenko staying in Slovakia after being drafted?
He has decided to finish secondary school in Slovakia and will therefore play the 2026-27 season for HK Nitra.
Which NHL team drafted Chrenko and at what position?
The New York Rangers selected Tomáš Chrenko 81st overall in the 2026 NHL Draft (third round).
Will Chrenko have any contact with the Rangers while playing in Slovakia?
Yes. He will attend the Rangers’ main training camp this month, be monitored by a Finnish scout assigned by the organisation, and receive skating-coach videos from the club.
What were Chrenko’s statistics last season?
He recorded 31 points in 44 regular-season games for HK Nitra and added 12 points in 19 playoff games; at the World U20 Championship he had eight points in five games (5 goals, 3 assists).
What area of his game does Chrenko need to improve for North America?
He needs to add muscle and improve his contact play to cope with the more physical style in North American hockey.
Coach Mark Comment
From a coaching perspective, the key is to use this season to build strength without losing the skating and offensive instincts that define his game. His contact play and puck protection are sensible areas of focus as he prepares for the demands of North American hockey.
What Comes Next
Chrenko will attend the New York Rangers’ main training camp this month and is a candidate to play in one or both prospect games against Philadelphia in the coming weekends. After camp, he will return to Slovakia and play the 2026-27 season with HK Nitra while completing secondary school.
IHM Final View
Staying in Nitra gives Chrenko time to complete secondary school while remaining connected to the Rangers through camp, scouting and skating support. His next task is to build on last season’s production and address the physical areas he has identified.