Bednar Explains Why He Left Red Wings Organization

Following a strong season with the ECHL Toledo Walleye, goaltender Jan Bednar was expecting that the offer to advance in the Detroit Red Wings organization would be forthcoming.

That didn’t happen.

“Unfortunately not,” Bednar told Czech website hokej.cz. “The offer to move up didn’t come, and I wanted to take a step forward in my career.”

He would make the decision to return to Europe. Bednar signed with Assat Pori of Finland’s top division, the SM-liiga.

Jan Bednář otti avauserässä isoja torjuntoja.

📺MTV Katsomo#Ässät #Liiga pic.twitter.com/JvFGX6IE4A

— Porin Ässät (@PorinAssat) October 31, 2025

“I needed a change, a new impulse,” Bednar said. “I had been stagnant (in North America) for the last two years.

“My agent and I decided that returning to Europe was the best option for me at the moment.”

So far, the move is paying dividends. In 15 games, the 23-year-old netminder is 10-3-1 with a 1.81 GAA, a .935 save percentage, and one shutout. He’s the league’s top puckstopper.

“I had some offers from the Czech Republic (his homeland), but my agent and I decided on Finland,” Bednar said. “There are several reasons. I was convinced primarily by their interest. They were the very first to contact us. They also called me in America several times.

“Another important aspect is the Finnish goalkeeping school. I believe it will help me grow further.”

Red Wings Opted For Postava

Last season was Bednar’s second with the Walleye. In 37 games, he went 23-8-6 with a 2.34 GAA, .914 save percentage, and four shutouts. He backstopped Toledo to the ECHL final. The Walleye lost in the final series.

“In retrospect, second place is a great achievement,” Bednar said. “But when you get to the final and don’t make it, it’s a shame.”

He also played four games in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Bednar posted a 2.12 GAA and a .919 save percentage.

Jan Bednář -show 🦸‍♂️👊#Liiga #Ässät pic.twitter.com/NTKxHjZFdN

— Liiga (@smliiga) October 8, 2025

On an AHL contract with the Griffins, Bednar was hoping a permanent assignment to Grand Rapids would be his this season. Instead, the Red Wings went with another Czech goalie, signing free agent Michal Postava to pair with returnee Sebastian Cossa.

Still, Bednar isn’t forgetting about his NHL dream. A 2020 Red Wings draftee (he was selected 107th overall), the 6-foot-4, 196-pound Bednar, is on a one-year contract with Assat Pori.

“The NHL is still a goal for me that I want to achieve,” Bednar said. “I’m not giving up on it. I’ll do everything to get there.

“On the other hand, I’m not stressed about it. What’s supposed to happen will happen.”