Dominik Badinka Returns to Hurricanes Development Camp Older, Bigger, Stronger
After an impressive year of growth both on and off the ice, Dominik Badinka is back at the Carolina Hurricanes’ development camp—and this time, he’s turning heads for more than just his potential. The towering defenseman has made clear strides in his physical development, skill set, and confidence, solidifying his status as a rising talent in the Hurricanes’ pipeline.
Selected by Carolina in the third round (No. 74 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, Badinka entered last year’s development camp as one of the youngest and rawest prospects on the ice. At the time, scouts and coaches saw flashes of his upside—smooth skating for a big man, a long reach, and a developing sense of the game—but he was still early in his physical and professional maturation. Now, one year later, the Czech-born blueliner has returned to Raleigh significantly older, bigger, and stronger—both in body and in presence.
“I’ve worked hard over the last year,” Badinka told reporters after a morning session. “I focused a lot on strength and conditioning, and I think it’s helped my confidence on the ice. I feel more comfortable using my body and being more physical.”
At 6-foot-4 and now weighing in around 205 pounds, Badinka has clearly added muscle to his frame. But it’s not just his size that’s different—it’s how he’s using it. During scrimmages and drills, Badinka stood out for his improved defensive stick work, his ability to close gaps more effectively, and his newfound confidence in puck battles. Coaches have noted a more aggressive, assertive style that wasn’t as consistent a year ago.
His development over the past season with Malmö Redhawks in Sweden’s top junior league also contributed significantly. There, Badinka saw top-pair minutes and special teams time, which allowed him to sharpen his decision-making under pressure. The experience overseas exposed him to high-level competition and forced him to adapt to faster, more structured play.
“He’s taken a step, for sure,” said Hurricanes Director of Player Development Sergei Samsonov. “His skating was always a strength, but now he’s learning how to use his size and mobility together, which is what you want to see from a modern defenseman.”
While Badinka is still likely a couple of seasons away from challenging for a full-time NHL role, his trajectory is encouraging. The Hurricanes have long been praised for their patient approach to development, and Badinka is a prime candidate to benefit from that philosophy.
As the camp continues, the focus will be on refining the small details—puck retrievals, first passes, and defensive zone reads. But one thing is clear: Dominik Badinka has made a statement. He’s no longer just a long-term project. He’s becoming a real prospect to watch in Carolina’s system.
