Jared McIsaac, a defenseman the Detroit Red Wings selected 36th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, is continuing his career with HC Litvinov in the Czech Extraliga.
Despite high expectations and notable junior success, including being named the top rookie defenseman in the QMJHL and winning gold at the Hlinka-Gretzky and IIHF World Junior Championship, injuries have hindered his NHL trajectory.
McIsaac, now 24, struggled with shoulder surgeries and spent four seasons mainly with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL. Last season, he was loaned to Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland and Providence in the AHL. With the Red Wings not extending a qualifying offer, McIsaac became a free agent and signed with Litvinov.
His departure adds to a list of Red Wings' second and third-round picks who never reached the NHL, including Robert Mastrosimone, Albin Grewe, and Theodor Niederbach. Notably, recent picks like Jonatan Berggren and Albert Johansson are expected to join the Red Wings this season, while William Wallinder and Antti Tuomisto will continue developing in the AHL.