David Špaček Called Up to NHL: Wild Recall Promising Young Defenseman Ahead of Jets Matchup
The Minnesota Wild are making a move on the blue line, calling up 22-year-old defenseman David Špaček from their AHL affiliate in Iowa. With the Wild set to host the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 15, Špaček’s arrival adds a fresh dynamic to Minnesota’s defensive corps - and brings a player who's quietly been building a strong case for his NHL debut.
Špaček has been a standout in Iowa this season, putting up 19 points (3 goals, 16 assists) through 35 games. That may not jump off the page at first glance, but dig a little deeper and the impact becomes clear.
He leads the team in assists and ranks second in both total points and shots among all skaters - not just defensemen. Among AHL defensemen league-wide, his assist total puts him tied for 12th, a solid indicator of his playmaking value from the back end.
At 6-foot and 190 pounds, Špaček brings a balanced mix of mobility and physicality. He’s not the flashiest name in the pipeline, but he’s been consistent and productive.
Last season, he led all Iowa defensemen in scoring with 31 points (4 goals, 27 assists) over 72 games. He also led the team in power play assists with 18, showcasing his ability to quarterback a unit and move the puck efficiently under pressure.
Over three AHL seasons, Špaček has compiled 62 points (10 goals, 52 assists) in 168 games. That kind of steady development is exactly what NHL front offices look for in young defensemen - a player who grows into the pro game, learns the nuances, and earns his shot.
And Špaček’s résumé extends beyond North America. He’s set to represent Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, a nod to his rising profile on the international stage.
He’s already worn the Czech jersey at multiple IIHF tournaments, including back-to-back World Championships. In 2024, he tallied five assists in 10 games to help Czechia win gold.
A year later, he added two more assists in eight games. He also played a key role in Czechia’s silver-medal run at the 2023 World Junior Championship, posting eight points and a plus-7 rating over seven games - impressive numbers for a defenseman in a high-stakes tournament.
Špaček was selected by the Wild in the fifth round (153rd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. While he has yet to skate in an NHL game, this call-up signals that his time may finally be arriving. He’ll wear No. 82 with Minnesota.
With the Wild looking to build momentum in the second half of the season, Špaček’s call-up adds another layer of intrigue to tomorrow night’s matchup against Winnipeg. Whether he cracks the lineup or not, his presence is a sign that Minnesota is keeping a close eye on its young talent - and that Špaček is firmly on their radar.