Pavol Regenda’s Contract Extension
Pavol Regenda, a 25-year-old Slovak right winger, has recently opted for a contract extension with the San Jose Sharks, securing a two-way agreement valued at $775,000 for NHL duties and $350,000 should he play in the AHL. This deal guarantees him $400,000, as noted by PuckPedia.
Reflections on Offers from Russia
Interestingly, just prior to finalizing this contract, he shared insights on a Slovak podcast called (P)opičí Biznis, discussing various topics including his rejection of offers from Russian teams amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Regenda explained his decision, stating, “There were various offers from Europe, even from Russia… But I wouldn’t go there right now. I know what it’s like for the guys who are there. I don’t want to be seen as supporting the war. It’s uncomfortable; if a Slovak athlete were to accept such an offer, I believe nearly everyone would leave their families behind. If you play in Russia, you unintentionally endorse the situation.”
He also reflected on the financial incentives in the KHL, acknowledging that a friend signed a $1 million contract but emphasized the ethical dilemma it presents amidst the ongoing war.
Adjusting to Life in San Jose
In addition to discussing his professional choices, Regenda detailed his recent move from Anaheim to San Jose, describing the shock of being traded shortly after a game and the adjustments he had to make living in a new city. He humorously compared San Jose to Michalovce, his hometown, revealing that, despite the differences, he’s been thriving in his game since joining the Sharks.
Living in San Jose on an AHL salary has its challenges, as Regenda noted the high cost of living in a major U.S. city compared to Slovakia. He mentioned how substantial his living expenses are, explaining,
“I had $90,000 after taxes, but I had to allocate $23,000 for rent. In Europe, groceries are far cheaper, allowing me to budget better. In the U.S., basic expenses, like dining, can double or triple depending on choices.”
Thoughts on the Slovak National Team
Regenda also reflected on the Slovak national team, particularly after their Olympic qualifiers where he played alongside Martin and Kristián Pospíšil. Criticism surrounded the national squad’s performance at the IIHF World Championship, where no full-time NHL players participated, leaving Regenda as the most experienced player.
He recognized a growing reluctance among talented Slovak players to join the national team due to systemic issues in sports back home, saying,
“Young guys like Slafkovský and Černák are losing faith in this system. Coming to represent the country can feel demoralizing, given how things operate. It’s hard to see why anyone would want to be part of it when nothing fundamentally works in Slovakia.”
Current Landscape of Slovak Hockey
Amidst this landscape, the discussion about the Slovak national team remains relevant, particularly after Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovský publicly criticized the Slovak Ice Hockey Association, provoking a terse response from Hockey Slovakia. As Regenda moves forward in his career with the Sharks, his experiences reflect both personal choices and broader national challenges in Slovak hockey.
