Michal Kempny leaves North America after clearing unconditional waivers
One day after clearing unconditional waivers and having his contract terminated by the Seattle Kraken, defenceman Michal Kempny has left North America.
On Saturday, HC Sparta Prague of the Czech Extraliga announced that they've signed Kempny to a two-year contract.
This won't be the first time that Kempny has suited up for HC Sparta Prague. He spent the entire 2012-13 season with them, recording 14 points (five goals, nine assists), 32 penalty minutes and was a plus-16 in 51 games.
Note: the quotes in this story are translated from Czech
"We've been waiting for Michal's arrival since the summer, when we agreed in case he didn't work out in the NHL. We're very happy that we remained his first choice. He's a huge addition to our defense," said HC Sparta Prague's sports manager, Jaroslav Hlinka.
Kempny, 32, signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Kraken this summer, but didn't make the team out of training camp. He was placed on waivers before the start of the season, cleared and was assigned to the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL. In two games with the Firebirds, Kempny had one goal.
"I really like that Sparta is a team with the highest ambitions. We will subordinate everything to success to achieve what we all want. And that is to win the title. I am really looking forward to the whole journey," Kempny said.
In 247-career games across parts of five seasons in the NHL with Chicago and Washington, Kempny had 63 points (15 goals, 48 assists). He won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Capitals in 2018.
Source: HC Sparta Prague
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