Undrafted, Czech Republic-born 4th year defenseman Vojtech Mozik(23) wastes little time signing a one-year deal for 2017/2018 with Vityaz Podolsk of the KHL.
The fairly big 6’3″ 200 lbs. blue liner is set to become a restricted free agent after his two-year entry level deal with New Jersey Devils expires.
He played 7 NHL games as a rookie last season scoring no points with a 0 rating on a non-playoff team playing decent minutes per appearance.
Part of his decision to not wait around to sniff out a qualifying offer could lie in the fact he was forced to spend all of 2016/2017 with affiliate Albany Devils.
In a career high 65 AHL games he scored what were easily new bests with 11 goals and 11 assists with a +20 rating.
He had a +28 in his first year.
This sort of accountability and uptick in scoring probably helped the 24-year old secure a nice new deal moving forward.
His first introduction to pro level hockey was at home, two campaigns for HC Plzen in Czech Extraliga and happened to win the 2013 Championship.
He should continue to do well elsewhere.