The towering presence of Calgary Flames forward Adam Klapka is being felt not just at the Scotiabank Saddledome, but potentially on the international stage. After a standout performance that earned him the Flames' in-house player-of-the-game award—a tight-fitting red blazer for the 6-foot-8, 235-pound winger—conversation has turned to his Olympic prospects.
A Physical Force Making His Case
Klapka's recent play, particularly in a Battle of Alberta clash against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, December 27, 2025, has been impossible to ignore. The game showcased exactly what he could bring to an Olympic roster: an eye-popping assist, four heavy hits, and a plus-3 rating. His physical style is a hallmark of his game; heading into a late-December matchup, Klapka ranked sixth in the entire NHL with 129 hits this season.
This bruising approach could be a perfect fit for the specific needs of Team Czechia as they prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. With rosters set to be revealed in early January, the Czech squad is evaluating its options. "Of course, you are thinking about it," Klapka admitted. "All the best players in the world are going to be there, so you want to be part of it."
The Czech Forward Puzzle
The selection picture for Czechia is intriguing. Only seven Czech forwards have played 30 or more NHL games this season. Three of them were on the ice for a late-December game in Calgary: the Boston Bruins' star duo of David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha (both already named to the initial squad), and Klapka himself.
This leaves room for discussion about the final forward spots. The 25-year-old Klapka, who has skated primarily on the Flames' checking line this season, has stated he would happily embrace an identical, physically demanding role on the Olympic fourth line. "I feel like I would be good in that spot," he said, directly stating his case for the role.
Not a Lock, But a Compelling Contender
So, is Adam Klapka a guaranteed selection for the Olympics? While his recent play and unique skill set make him a compelling candidate, the final decision rests with the Czech coaching staff. They may show loyalty to Europe-based professionals like Roman Cervenka, Ondrej Kase, and Dominik Kubalik, who have been staples in past international tournaments.
However, Klapka's unique combination of size, physicality, and NHL experience presents a specific tool for the Czechs, especially as they size up a challenging preliminary round. Their group includes a marquee opening game against Canada, followed by contests against France and Switzerland. A player like Klapka, willing to crash and bang against top competition, could be a valuable asset in that high-stakes environment.
For now, the Flames' giant continues to make his argument on the ice, one hit at a time, hoping his performance secures him a ticket to Italy and a chance to represent his country on the world's biggest sporting stage.
