Red Wings Hopeful Trains With Jagr

One of the more intriguing moves that the Detroit Red Wings made this season was the recent decision to sign Latvian forward Eduards Tralmaks to a contract. Playing this season for Kladno, Tralmaks led the Czech Extraliga in scoring with 23-28-51 totals.

Even though Kladno’s season ended a while back, Tralmaks remained in the city. It was with a twofold purpose. Firstly, he was using the ice available in Kladno to prep for the upcoming IIHF World Championship.

First career #MensWorlds goal for Eduards Tralmaks Ⓜ️

📸/🎥 IIHF pic.twitter.com/oCWodDLR87

— Maine Men’s Ice Hockey (@MaineIceHockey) May 21, 2024

Secondly, Tralmaks is already working with an eye toward next season and being able to show the Red Wings his determination about making the NHL grade. And he’s training with an impressive group of players that is led by Kladno player-owner and hockey icon Jaromir Jagr.

Tralmaks says that when Jagr takes to the ice, it’s all business.

“Jagr comes every day,” Tralmaks explained to Latvian website Diena. “He doesn’t like to just skate. If we play, it’s serious.”

Red Wings Hopeful Forms Bond With Hockey Legend

Tralmaks and Jagr have forged a friendship during his time in Kladno. Watching Jagr push himself to still excel on the ice at the age of 53 serves as a sort of motivation to Tralmaks as well.

“Hockey is the biggest goal in his life,” Tralmaks said. “It’s everything – work, love, hobby, family. His life is subordinated to always being on the ice.

“He still has beautiful hockey where you pull the puck back, look and start to attack.”

Tralmaks fully expects Jagr to play again next season.

“I think he can’t simply leave that easily.” Tralmaks said. “Jagr still wants to play and if given the opportunity, he will do it.”

Tralmaks Ready For Red Wings Challenge

After his big season in Kladno, Tralmaks was inundated with NHL offers.

“It was only logical that the interest of the clubs was very high this season,” Tralmaks said. “Offers started to appear when my game finally took off.”

Ultimately, he chose the Red Wings.

Congratulations to EHL @Jr_Bandits alum and former MVP Eduards Tralmaks on signing with the @DetroitRedWings!#WherePlayersComeFirst | #DevelopPromoteAdvance pic.twitter.com/mpi4w7HWoI

— Eastern Hockey League (@EHL_Hockey) March 24, 2025

“Of course, I’ll have to prove myself, but I’ve been doing that my entire hockey career,” Tralmaks told Latvian website Lasi. “Only now I’ll have even more motivation.

“I understand that they can’t promise me a place in the lineup right away, but if they believe in me, I’m ready to prove it with my work. I have no problem with that.

“I’m not afraid of competition. I think I’m in the best physical condition of my career right now, I’m also mentally ready. I’ve gained experience in professional hockey.

“It’s okay if I have to start from a farm club in the AHL, but in training camp I want to show myself in a way that it would be difficult for them to send me down.”