Jakub Lauko, formerly of the Boston Bruins, is heading back to his native Czech Republic to continue his professional hockey career. The forward has signed with HC Dynamo Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga,the club announced Friday.
Lauko, a native of Prague who grew up in Chomutov, entered free agency after his contract with the Bruins expired. He was not re-signed by Boston General Manager Don Sweeney.
“One of the main reasons why I decided to join Pardubice was the coaching staff. I know Filip Pešán and Karel Mlejnek quite well,” Lauko stated in a team press release, translated from Czech. “Of course, ambition is also critically important. I have already spoken with Roman Červenka,Martin Kaut and also with other guys I played with,whether in the youth or in the national team. It will be more pleasant for me if I join a team where I know a lot of players.”
The 25-year-old Lauko was originally selected by the Bruins in the third round of the 2018 NHL Draft. He played his first two NHL seasons in Boston before being traded to the Minnesota Wild during the 2024 NHL Draft.
A fan favorite during his initial tenure with the Bruins, Lauko was reacquired by Boston prior to the 2025 NHL trade deadline, alongside Marat Khusnutdinov.
Over three seasons, Lauko appeared in 139 career NHL games for both the Bruins and the Wild, accumulating 11 goals and 17 assists for a total of 28 points. While acknowledging his defensive strengths, Lauko expressed a desire to improve his offensive output with his new club.
“I play hard and energetic. I believe I’m good defensively, but I also want to wake up offensively and contribute to the team in that regard,” Lauko commented.
