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Arizona City Today
By the People, for the People
Former Coyotes Forward Adam Ruzicka Aims for NHL Comeback After Strong Olympic Showing
The 26-year-old Slovak is drawing interest after impressing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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After being cut by the Arizona Coyotes in 2024 following a public incident involving drug use, forward Adam Ruzicka has been playing in the KHL for Spartak Moscow. However, his strong performance at the recent 2026 Winter Olympics for Slovakia has caught the attention of NHL teams, with insider Elliotte Friedman suggesting Ruzicka could get another chance in the league.
Why it matters
Ruzicka's potential comeback would be a redemption story, as the 26-year-old aims to revive his NHL career after the 2024 incident that derailed it. His Olympic showing has proven he still has the skill and size that made him a promising prospect, and teams in need of bottom-six depth or power-play help could take a chance on him.
The details
In March 2024, Ruzicka was caught on social media using cocaine, leading to his immediate release by the Coyotes. He then signed with Spartak Moscow in the KHL, where he has been productive over the past two seasons, scoring 26 goals and 45 points in 2024-25 and 16 goals and 40 points so far in 2025-26. At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Ruzicka impressed, recording 2 goals and 5 points in 5 games for Slovakia.
- In March 2024, Ruzicka was caught on Instagram Live using cocaine.
- Following his NHL exit, Ruzicka signed with Spartak Moscow in the KHL for the 2024-25 season.
- During the 2024-25 KHL season, Ruzicka scored 26 goals and 45 points.
- In the current 2025-26 KHL season, Ruzicka has 16 goals and 40 points in 48 games.
- Ruzicka represented Slovakia at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
The players
Adam Ruzicka
A 26-year-old Slovak forward who was previously drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 2nd round in 2017.
Arizona Coyotes
The NHL team that released Ruzicka in 2024 following his drug incident.
Spartak Moscow
The KHL team that Ruzicka signed with after leaving the NHL in 2024.
What they’re saying
“You know who's looked really good for Slovakia... I wonder if he's a guy who gets invited back to the NHL or brought back to the NHL at some point?”
— Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider (32 Thoughts Podcast)
What’s next
If Ruzicka continues to impress at the Olympics, NHL teams may reach out to gauge his interest in a professional tryout (PTO) or a one-way contract for the upcoming season.
The takeaway
Ruzicka's potential NHL comeback would be a redemption story, as the 26-year-old aims to revive his career after the 2024 incident that derailed it. His strong play in the KHL and at the Olympics has shown he still has the skills to contribute at the NHL level, and teams in need of bottom-six depth or power-play help could take a chance on him.
