Jakub Málek

Jakub Málek
Born	(2002-04-11) April 11, 2002 Kroměříž, Czech Republic
Occupation	Professional ice hockey goaltender
Years active	2019–present
Known for	Playing for Utica Comets and New Jersey Devils organization

Jakub Málek (born 11 April 2002) is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Utica Comets in the American Hockey League (AHL). He is under contract with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Playing career

At just 16 years old, Málek made his professional debut on 30 January 2019 with VHK Vsetín in the Czech Republic's second-tier league, the Chance Liga. During that game, he allowed four goals before being substituted. In the 2020–21 season, he achieved eight victories and posted a .912 save percentage across 14 Chance Liga appearances. Additionally, he recorded a .927 save percentage over seven playoff contests as Vsetín advanced to the semifinals, including two shutouts during the campaign. Although he was not ranked by NHL Central Scouting, Málek was chosen 100th overall in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL entry draft by the New Jersey Devils.

On 20 October 2021, Málek made history by becoming the first goaltender in Chance Liga to score a goal directly by shooting into the opposing net during a 4–1 victory against AZ Havířov. That season, he played in 31 games, securing 22 wins, two shutouts, and maintaining an impressive .932 save percentage. His outstanding performance earned him the title of best goaltender in the league as his team reached the Chance Liga finals.

For the 2022–23 season, Málek inked a two-year deal with Finnish Liiga outfit Ilves. Early on, he faced challenges after being hospitalized due to panic attacks caused by self-imposed pressure but managed to return and complete the season with a .903 save percentage over 22 games, which also included time spent in Finland’s second-tier league, Mestis. During the playoffs, following an injury to starting goaltender Marek Langhamer, Málek stepped up as Ilves’ primary netminder in the semifinals against Lahti Pelicans.

On 6 March 2024, Ilves announced a one-year extension to Málek’s contract. Shortly thereafter, on 6 May 2024, he signed a two-year entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils.

International play

Málek was selected to represent Czechia at the 2022 World Junior Championship, where he participated in one game before the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He made his debut for the senior Czechia squad during the 2023 Karjala Tournament, which is part of the 2023–24 Euro Hockey Tour.

Personal life

Málek is a fan of the football club Forest Green Rovers, having discovered them through playing EA Sports FIFA. He appreciates their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Career statistics

				Regular season										Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	W	L	T/OT	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%		GP	W	L	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2018–19	VHK Vsetín	CZE.2		2	0	2	0	64	6	0	5.63	.750		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2019–20	VHK Vsetín	CZE U20 2		31	20	8	0	1,692	64	2	2.27	.927		4	3	1	249	6	2	1.45	.942
2019–20	HC Valašské Meziříčí	CZE.3		3	1	1	0	127	7	0	3.31	—		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2020–21	VHK Vsetín	CZE U20 2		2	2	0	0	120	4	0	2.00	.913		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2020–21	HC Valašské Meziříčí	CZE.3		1	0	1	0	60	5	0	5.00	—		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2020–21	VHK Vsetín	CZE.2		14	8	5	0	787	30	1	2.29	.912		7	3	4	438	14	1	1.92	.927
2021–22	VHK Vsetín	CZE U20 2		1	1	0	0	60	1	0	1.00	.976		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2021–22	VHK Vsetín	CZE.2		31	22	9	0	1847	60	3	1.95	.932		13	7	4	754	22	2	1.75	.933
2022–23	KOOVEE	Mestis		6	2	2	2	364	17	1	2.80	.912		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2022–23	Ilves	Liiga		22	9	7	4	1256	45	2	2.15	.903		3	1	2	175	7	0	2.39	.870
2023–24	Ilves	Liiga		27	16	4	5	1528	59	2	2.32	.915			3	1	2	192	6	0	1.87	.910
Liiga totals				49	25	11	9	2785	104	4	2.24	.910		6	2	4	367	13	0	2.12	.893

Awards and honors

Award	Year
Chance liga
Best Junior Player	2022
Top Goaltender	2022
All-Star Selection	2022