24 év után draftoltak újra magyar játékost az NHL-be, Szongoth Dománt a Buffalo Sabres vitte

The Hungarian ice hockey community witnessed a historic moment this weekend as Szongoth Domán became the fourth Hungarian player ever to be drafted into the National Hockey League (NHL). The 18-year-old forward was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round, at the 156th overall pick during the NHL Draft held on Saturday evening. This marks the first time since 2002—when Vas János was chosen by the Dallas Stars—that a Hungarian player has been drafted into the league.

Szongoth’s selection comes after a long period of anticipation within the Hungarian hockey scene, where several players had come close to being drafted but ultimately fell short. Before him, Gröschl Tamás was taken by the Edmonton Oilers in 1999, followed by Szuper Levente in 2000 by the Calgary Flames, and Vas János in 2002 by the Dallas Stars. None of these players managed to make an impact in the NHL, though Szuper Levente came closest, playing nine games as a backup goaltender for the Flames before being released.

Szongoth, who currently plays for the Finnish KooKoo U20 team, has already made a name for himself in international competitions. He participated in both the previous and current World Championships in Group A, contributing one goal over 14 matches. Additionally, he has appeared in 34 matches for the senior Hungarian national team, showcasing his potential early on. His performance in the youth leagues has also been notable—he scored 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 44 games for the junior team last season and added another 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in three regular-season and seven playoff games for his age group.

Buffalo Sabres' decision to draft Szongoth reflects their belief in his abilities and potential. According to Jerry Forton, the assistant general manager of the Sabres, Szongoth is a highly competitive player who can contribute both offensively and defensively. While he believes Szongoth could benefit from improving his skating, Forton emphasized that the player possesses intangible qualities that the team values greatly. These include his ability to navigate dangerous areas of the ice, move effectively in front of the net, and reliably fulfill his defensive responsibilities. Forton noted that Szongoth's classic center attributes further solidify his potential as a future NHL prospect.

Szongoth’s journey to the NHL is not without challenges. As a fifth-round pick, his path to the league will likely involve time in the minor leagues, such as the American Hockey League (AHL) or theECHL. However, his recent contract with KooKoo—a two-plus-one year deal—suggests that he might have opportunities to play in the senior team soon. If he does transition to the senior level, it would mark a significant step in his career and potentially open doors for more exposure in North America.

Spiller István, a former Hungarian goaltender and sports commentator, highlighted the rarity of Szongoth’s situation. He pointed out that only about 20% of drafted players eventually make it to the NHL, emphasizing that while immediate success should not be expected, the draft itself represents a major milestone. Spiller noted that the Buffalo Sabres’ willingness to invest time, money, and energy into Szongoth indicates their confidence in his potential. This development is seen as a positive sign for Hungarian ice hockey, offering hope that the country may produce an NHL player sooner than previously anticipated.

The significance of this draft extends beyond Szongoth’s personal achievements. It signals a shift in the trajectory of Hungarian ice hockey, which has struggled to break through into the NHL despite producing talented players. Majoross Gergely, head coach of the Hungarian national team, praised Szongoth’s work ethic and determination, expressing optimism that this achievement could inspire future generations of Hungarian hockey players. With the right support and development, there is a possibility that Hungary might see another player drafted in the near future, perhaps even within five years.