Simek Turned Down Red Wings to go Home
The Detroit Red Wings were keen on retaining defenseman Radim Simek within their organization. However, Simek’s perspective was clear: he no longer wished to endure the travel demands of minor league hockey.
“It’s true,” Simek confirmed to Czech website iSport regarding the Red Wings’ offer. “It was a two-way contract with a significant salary guarantee, albeit near the NHL minimum. But the money wasn’t worth it to me anymore.”
Instead, the 32-year-old Czech defenseman decided to challenge the notion that one can’t return home. Simek opted to sign with his former team, the Liberec Tigers in the Czech Extraliga, where he began his career before joining the NHL’s San Jose Sharks seven seasons ago.
Detroit Red Wings' pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) D Radim Šimek has signed a three-year contract with Liberec (ELH), beginning next season (2024-25).#LGRW
(📷: Nicolas Carrillo) pic.twitter.com/K2CyH7od2S
— Around The Horn Hockey (@ATHornHockey) June 14, 2024
His decision to leave North American hockey was straightforward. Simek felt that the North American system was moving on from him.
Last season, the San Jose Sharks assigned him to their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, where he served as team captain. It marked Simek’s return to minor league hockey after four years, having played 209 NHL games.
Simek Finished Last Season With Griffins
Get to know our new Griffin, Radim Simek! #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/MmiulBtuV9
— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) March 22, 2024
After a trade to the Red Wings before the deadline, Simek spent the remainder of the 2023-24 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s top farm club. He played nine regular-season games and participated in eight Calder Cup playoff games with Grand Rapids.
The prospect of enduring bus travel again this season didn’t appeal to Simek.
“I didn’t see a real future there,” Simek remarked about the North American professional game. “I would have kept shuttling between cities, spending eight hours on a bus. At 32, I didn’t want to go through that anymore. I have other priorities.”
“My wife and I are expecting our second child in October,” Simek continued. “For me to be spending time on buses while my wife is at home with two daughters, including a newborn… I had to say no to that.”
