Hubbry Logo
Radek FaksaRadek FaksaMain
Open search
Radek Faksa
Community hub
Radek Faksa
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Radek Faksa
Radek Faksa
Radek Faksa
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Radek Faksa (born 9 January 1994) is a Czech professional ice hockey player who is a centre for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). In his rookie season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), he was the league's leading rookie scorer when he was playing for the Kitchener Rangers. Faksa was drafted 13th overall by the Stars in the 2012 NHL entry draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Faksa was born on 9 January 1994, in Vítkov, Czech Republic,[1] to parents Alena and Jiri Faksa.[2] His mother was a figure skater while his uncle was a professional hockey player in the Czech Republic.[3][4] Faksa began his ice hockey career in his hometown Opava alongside his older brother Martin.[5] As his mother was a single parent, she struggled to fund his ice hockey career. At the age of 11, Faksa received an offer from HC Oceláři Třinec to play in Třinec's system. He accepted and moved alone to Třinec, where he lived by himself in a hotel room paid for by his team.[6] Faksa struggled in his first season with the team and returned home but was encouraged by his mother and HC Oceláři Třinec's general manager to continue playing.[7]

Playing career

[edit]

Amateur

[edit]

Faksa split the 2009–10 and 2010–11 between HC Oceláři Třinec's under-18 and under-20 clubs. He registered 19 goals and 30 assists with the under-18 team and nine goals and six assists with the under-20 team. Following the 2010–11 season, Faksa was drafted 22nd overall in the 2011 CHL Import Draft by the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).[8] Faksa joined the Rangers immediately for their 2011–12 season and scored his first career OHL goal, and added two assists, on 1 October to lift the Rangers over Saginaw Spirit.[9] Faksa continued to tally points over October and November, resulting in him earning a high ranking from the NHL Central Scouting Bureau among all 2012 NHL entry draft eligible OHL players. At the end of November, Faksa was named the OHL's Rookie of the Month after he paced all league rookies with eight goals and eight assists for 16 points over 10 games.[10] He was also named to the Czech Republic men's national junior ice hockey team preliminary World Junior roster.[11] By the mid-point of the season, Faksa and the Rangers had maintained a 22-10-1-0 record and ranked third in the Western Conference. Faksa played an important role in this winning record, as he led all OHL rookies with 16 goals and 17 assists.[12] He earned praise for his easy transition to the North American style of play and drew comparisons to Gabriel Landeskog, a fellow European import player.[13] In recognition of his performance, Faksa was selected to participate in the 2012 CHL Top Prospects Game, where he won the “Showdown Breakaway Challenge” in the Top Prospects Skills Competition.[14] While competing in the OHL, Faksa took courses online to complete his Czech credits and graduate from high school.[15]

Faksa earned his second Rookie of the Month honors in January after leading all rookies in scoring with six goals and eight assists for 14 points over 10 games.[16] On 10 March 2012, Faksa tallied his fifth goal over three games for his 28th on the season which tied the Rangers record for most goals by a rookie selected through the import draft.[17] As the Rangers battled for a playoff position, Faksa picked up at least one point in seven of the Rangers’ final nine regular season games to secure them a spot in the OHL postseason. He finished the month of March with seven goals and seven assists over 13 games, including three points in four playoff games. As such, he received the OHL's Rookie of the Month honor for the third time in the season.[18] Although he suffered a concussion during the Rangers first-round series against the Owen Sound Attack,[19] Faksa returned to the lineup for Game 3 of the second-round. In spite of his concussion, Faksa ranked seventh overall among CHL players eligible for the 2012 NHL entry draft.[20] He finished his rookie season leading all rookies with 29 goals and 37 assists for 66 points. He was named to the OHL's 2011-12 First All-Rookie Team and was nominated for the Emms Family Award as the OHL's Rookie of the Year.[21]

Upon concluding his rookie season, Faksa was drafted 13th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2012 NHL entry draft. He was the first Czech taken in the first round of an NHL entry draft since Jakub Voráček's selection in 2007.[22] In addition, Faksa was drafted seventh overall by the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL)'s Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk in the 2012 KHL Junior Draft.[23] Faksa chose to join the Stars organization and signed a three-year entry-level contract with them after participating in their 2012 training camp.[24] Due to the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Faksa was returned to the Rangers for the 2012–13 OHL season,[25] however he was made eligible to return to the Stars for their training camp once the lockout ended.[26] Faksa played the entirety of the 2012–13 season with the Rangers, recording nine goals and 22 assists for 31 points over 39 games. While his regular season was shortened due to a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain, Faksa returned to the Rangers lineup for their OHL playoff series where he added four goals and two assists over 10 games.[27] On 16 April 2013, Faksa was re-assigned to the Dallas Stars' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Texas Stars, for the remainder of their season.[28] He recorded his first professional point, an assist, on 19 April to help the Stars clinch first place in the Western Conference for the 2013 Calder Cup playoffs.[29]

Faksa attended the Dallas Stars' training camp ahead of the 2013–14 season but was re-assigned back to the Rangers before the season started.[27] Upon being returned to juniors, Faksa tallied a hat-trick to lead the Rangers 5-3 over the Oshawa Generals and improve their record to 2–1–0.[30] By late December, Faksa was leading the team with 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points.[31] On 10 January 2014, Faksa was traded by Kitchener to the Sudbury Wolves in exchange for fellow Czech Dominik Kubalík and two second-round draft picks.[3] He finished the season with a combined 21 goals and 27 assists through 59 games with the Rangers and Wolves. He also added one goal and two assists for three points over five postseason games with Sudbury. On 2 April, Faksa was re-assigned to the AHL for the remainder of the 2013–14 season.[32] He scored his first professional goal on 12 April against the San Antonio Rampage to help lead the Stars to their 11th consecutive win.[33]

Professional

[edit]
Faksa with the Texas Stars during the 2015–16 season.

Faksa participated in the Stars' 2014 training camp ahead of the 2014–15 season but was re-assigned to their AHL affiliate before the start of the season.[34] He accumulated four goals and 10 points in 32 games for Texas before sustaining the season-ending shoulder injury in mid-January. He recovered for training camp the following season and gained 15 pounds of muscle.[35] After participating in the Stars' training camp, Faksa was returned to the AHL for the 2015–16 season.[36] He played one game with the Texas Stars, tallying two goals, before being recalled to the NHL level on 16 October.[37] Faksa made his NHL debut the following night against the Florida Panthers, while skating on a line with Antoine Roussel and Colton Sceviour.[38] He later scored his first career NHL goal on 6 November 2015, in a 4–1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.[39] Faksa remained with the Stars until 10 January when he was returned to the AHL after playing in 18 games.[40] Faksa played in 27 games for the Texas Stars, and accumulated 16 goals and 22 assists, before being recalled in February as a replacement for Jason Spezza.[41] Faksa remained at the NHL level for the remainder of the regular season, where he became a mainstay on the Stars' third line between Aleš Hemský and Antoine Roussel. He was credited as being one of the main reasons why the Stars were in a playoff position despite significant injuries to several forwards.[42] Faksa finished the regular season with five goals and seven assists for 12 points through 45 games.[1]

Faksa made his NHL postseason debut in Game 1 of the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Minnesota Wild. He scored his first playoff goal in his debut and recorded three hits and one block in the Stars' 4–0 win over the Wild.[43] After the Stars eliminated the Wild, they met with the St. Louis Blues in the Western Conference second round. While continuing to play on the Stars' third line, Faksa scored the game-winning goal of Game 1 to lift the Stars 2–1 over the Blues.[44] He recorded his third goal of the postseason in Game 4 and finished the playoffs with three goals and two assists.[45] At the time, his three goals were the second-most scored by a Dallas Stars rookie in the postseason since 1994.[46]

Following the Stars' elimination, Faksa was chosen to represent the Czech Republic in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.[47] Although he suffered a concussion during the tournament, he returned to the Stars' training and development camp ahead of the 2016–17 season.[48] After impressing the Stars training staff during camp, Faksa was chosen to remain with the team to start the season.[49] He started the season playing as the Stars' fourth line centre, where he impressed coaching staff and began earning more ice time.[50] He retained Roussel as his linemate but the two gained Brett Ritchie as their right winger instead of Aleš Hemský.[51] As the season continued, Faksa was regarded as one of the Stars' best checking line centers.[52] While he struggled to record points, Faksa was praised by Stars coach Lindy Ruff for being a "big man who can play physical" and having a steady presence while on the ice.[53] He finished the regular season with a career-high 12 goals and 21 assists for 33 points through 80 games and ranked fourth on the team with 101 hits.[54] As a result of his improved play, Faksa was signed to a three-year contract extension worth $6.6 million.[55]

In the first year of his new contract, Faksa set a new career-high with 17 goals but recorded fewer assists and tied his previous career-high of 33 total points. As with the previous season, Faksa and Roussel returned as linemates but replaced Ritchie with Tyler Pitlick.[51] On 28 November 2017, Faksa tallied a natural hat trick in the second period, scoring the only goals in the Stars' shutout of the Vegas Golden Knights. It was the first hat trick of his NHL career, the first scored in T-Mobile Arena, and the first time the Golden Knights were shut out in their inaugural season.[56] Faksa registered two more goals over the next two games and was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week ending on 3 December.[57] Faksa continued to find success on the Stars' third-line with Roussel and Pitlick as he tallied 10 goals and 10 assists over his first 40 games of the season.[58] Faksa credited his success on the third-line to feeling more confident in his role than in previous seasons.[59] At the end of the season, he set a new career-high with 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points. He was also credited as being the Stars' best defensive forward after posting a team-best plus-21.[60]

Faksa returned to the Stars for the 2018–19 season, his third full season with the team. He began the season playing alongside Valeri Nichushkin and Tyler Pitlick on the Stars' shutdown line against opposing teams' best players.[61] Faksa and the Stars began the season with a 16–11–3 record over 30 games, including a four game winning streak in December.[62] In mid-December, Faksa was moved from his typical position of centre to wing alongside fellow Czech Martin Hanzal and Tyler Pitlick. Faksa had accumulated five goals and five assists for 10 points at the time while also averaging 16:02 of ice time.[63] This experiment on the left wing lasted a few games before Faksa was returned to his usual centre position and reunited with Comeau. In their first game back together, the trio of Comeau–Faksa–Pitlick combined for two goals and three assists.[64] However, they only remained together for a month before Pitlick suffered an injury in February and was replaced by Jamie Benn.[65] Faksa missed one game in March as a precaution after suffering a neck injury during a game against the New York Rangers.[66] As the Stars pushed to qualify for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, Faksa was praised by head coach Jim Montgomery for being one of the most consistent players on the team in terms of defensive play and scoring.[67] On 2 April, the Stars clinched a postseason berth for the first time since 2016 after beating the Philadelphia Flyers 6–2.[68] Faksa and the Stars advanced to the Western Conference second round before being eliminated by the St. Louis Blues in double overtime in Game 7.[69] Following their elimination, Faksa was named to Team Czech Republic for the 2019 IIHF World Championship.[70] During the tournament, Faksa centred the Czech's second line between Jakub Vrana and Dmitrij Jaskin. He finished the tournament with four points as Czech Republic fell to Russia in the bronze medal round in a shootout loss.[71]

Due to various injuries to the Stars lineup, Faksa opened the 2019–20 season on the Stars first line between Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. When speaking of this decision, head coach Jim Montgomery said, "We liked how Faksa's had a good camp, just wanted to give him the opportunity to play with those two, and drive play a little bit."[72] However, this change was shortlived and Faksa was reunited with his third-line teammates Andrew Cogliano and Joel L'Esperance within a few games.[73] Once Comeau returned to the Stars lineup following an injury, he was reunited with Faksa and Cogliano on the Stars' third line.[74] Although Faksa missed a few games with an upper-body injury[75] the Stars began January by winning seven of their first eight games.[76] Through his first 37 games of the season, Faksa scored 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points and ranked second among all Stars’ skaters with 21 takeaways.[77] Once the Stars were eliminated from the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, it was revealed that Faksa had been playing with a broken wrist.[78] On 11 October, the Stars re-signed Faksa to a five-year, $16.25 million contract extension.[79] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 season was delayed until 13 January 2021 and limited to only 56 games.[80] However, Faksa continued to struggle with his wrist throughout the season and finished with 14 points in 55 games, including just two points on the power play.[81]

St. Louis Blues

[edit]

On 2 July 2024, Faksa's nine-season tenure with the Stars ended when he was traded to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for future considerations.[82]

Return to Dallas

[edit]

Following one season in St. Louis, Faksa returned to the Stars, signing as a free agent to a three-year, $6 million contract on 1 July 2025.[83]

International play

[edit]

Faksa competed as part of the Czech Republic junior team at the 2011 World U18 Championships, the 2012 World Junior Championships, the 2013 World Junior Championships, and for the Czech Republic senior team in the 2016 World Championship.

Personal life

[edit]

Faksa and his wife have two children.[84]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2009–10 HC Oceláři Třinec CZE U18 36 19 19 38 52 — — — — —
2009–10 HC Oceláři Třinec CZE U20 3 0 0 0 2 — — — — —
2010–11 HC Oceláři Třinec CZE U18 28 19 30 49 32 2 1 0 1 10
2010–11 HC Oceláři Třinec CZE U20 24 9 6 15 12 2 2 2 4 4
2011–12 Kitchener Rangers OHL 62 29 37 66 47 13 2 4 6 10
2012–13 Kitchener Rangers OHL 39 9 22 31 26 10 4 2 6 4
2012–13 Texas Stars AHL 2 0 1 1 0 — — — — —
2013–14 Kitchener Rangers OHL 30 16 11 27 22 — — — — —
2013–14 Sudbury Wolves OHL 29 5 16 21 26 5 1 2 3 10
2013–14 Texas Stars AHL 6 1 2 3 6 21 4 0 4 8
2014–15 Texas Stars AHL 32 4 6 10 12 — — — — —
2015–16 Texas Stars AHL 28 15 11 26 22 — — — — —
2015–16 Dallas Stars NHL 45 5 7 12 16 13 3 2 5 2
2016–17 Dallas Stars NHL 80 12 21 33 67 — — — — —
2017–18 Dallas Stars NHL 79 17 16 33 36 — — — — —
2018–19 Dallas Stars NHL 81 15 15 30 54 13 0 1 1 6
2019–20 Dallas Stars NHL 66 11 9 20 42 19 3 5 8 4
2020–21 Dallas Stars NHL 55 6 8 14 30 — — — — —
2021–22 Dallas Stars NHL 77 5 14 19 52 7 1 1 2 4
2022–23 Dallas Stars NHL 81 11 9 20 39 19 1 2 3 10
2023–24 Dallas Stars NHL 74 7 12 19 20 8 1 0 1 2
2024–25 St. Louis Blues NHL 70 5 10 15 30 7 1 4 5 2
NHL totals 708 94 121 215 386 86 10 15 25 30

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2011 Czech Republic U18 8th 6 0 0 0 2
2012 Czech Republic WJC 5th 6 2 0 2 4
2013 Czech Republic WJC 5th 6 0 2 2 2
2014 Czech Republic WJC 6th 5 1 0 1 2
2016 Czech Republic WC 5th 3 0 0 0 0
2016 Czech Republic WCH 6th 1 0 0 0 0
2018 Czech Republic WC 7th 8 0 3 3 4
2019 Czech Republic WC 4th 7 1 3 4 2
Junior totals 23 3 2 5 10
Senior totals 19 1 6 7 6

Awards and honours

[edit]
Awards Year Ref
AHL
Calder Cup champion 2014 [85]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Radek Faksa

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Radek Faksa (born January 9, 1994) is a Czech professional ice hockey centre who plays for the of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, he shoots left-handed and was selected by the Stars in the first round, 13th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Faksa began his youth career in the with HC Oceláři Třinec's under-18 team from 2007 to 2011, where he recorded 125 points in 110 games. After being drafted, he transitioned to North American junior hockey with the of the (OHL), playing from 2011 to 2014 and amassing 59 goals and 86 assists for 145 points in 160 games. In his OHL season, he led all league rookies with 29 goals, 37 assists, and 66 points in 62 games, earning a selection to the Canadian Hockey League's Top Prospects Game and a spot on the OHL All-Rookie Team. Faksa made his NHL debut with the Dallas Stars on October 17, 2015, against the Florida Panthers, and scored his first NHL goal on November 6, 2015. Over nine seasons with Dallas from 2015 to 2024, he established himself as a reliable two-way forward known for his physical play and faceoff prowess. He achieved his first NHL hat trick on November 28, 2017, against the Vegas Golden Knights. Traded to the St. Louis Blues on July 2, 2024, for future considerations, Faksa recorded 5 goals and 10 assists in 70 games during the 2024-25 regular season, along with a 57.0% faceoff win rate on 758 draws. In the 2025 playoffs, he contributed 1 goal and 4 assists in 7 games, posting a +7 rating. He rejoined the Stars on July 1, 2025, signing a three-year contract with an average annual value of $2 million, where he has since focused on bolstering the team's penalty kill and physicality, recording 1 goal and 6 assists in 18 games of the 2025-26 season (as of November 17, 2025). Across 726 career NHL games with Dallas and St. Louis, Faksa has tallied 95 goals, 127 assists, and 222 points. Internationally, Faksa has represented the at various levels, including the IIHF World Junior Championships (U18 and U20), the IIHF World Championship, and the , accumulating 20 points in 47 junior games and 8 points in 24 senior appearances. His career highlights emphasize his role as a defensive specialist and bottom-six contributor, with strengths in hits (115 in the 2024-25 season) and average ice time around 13-15 minutes per game.

Personal background

Early life

Radek Faksa was born on January 9, 1994, in Vítkov, . He spent his in nearby , a modest industrial city, where he was raised by his single mother along with two siblings amid financial hardships. His mother, a former figure skater, taught him to skate at age three, fostering his early interest in ice sports, while his uncle Stanislav Pavelec was a hockey player. Faksa's introduction to hockey came through the local youth program of HC Slezan , where he began developing his skills in a region with limited high-level opportunities. The financial strain of supporting his training and equipment proved challenging for his mother, who worked to nurture his passion despite the family's economic difficulties. At age 11, Faksa made a pivotal move approximately 50 miles to , joining the youth system of after the club extended an offer that included living accommodations in a team hotel, thereby easing the family's financial burden. This decision, supported by his mother despite the emotional toll of separation, allowed him to immerse himself in more competitive environments. From ages 12 to 16, Faksa progressed through 's junior ranks, honing his two-way playing style in the Czech development system while living independently and managing daily responsibilities like school and self-care.

Family

Faksa married his longtime partner, Dominika Matusinska, on July 21, 2022, in a ceremony celebrated by the organization. The couple welcomed their first child, son Elliot Radek Faksa, on July 31, 2021, in . Their second child, daughter Sophie, was born on August 25, 2024. Faksa has an older brother, Martin, who also played hockey. Faksa's family has relocated multiple times in alignment with his NHL career transitions, including a move to in July 2024 following his trade to the Blues, and a return to in July 2025 upon re-signing with the . A foundational influence on Faksa's family-oriented values stems from his upbringing by single mother Alena, who overcame financial hardships to support his early pursuits.

Club career

Junior career

Faksa was selected 22nd overall in the first round of the by the of the (OHL). In his rookie season with the Rangers during 2011–12, Faksa recorded 29 goals, 38 assists, and 67 points in 62 regular-season games, leading all OHL rookies in scoring. His performance earned him a spot on the OHL First All-Rookie Team and second place in voting for OHL Rookie of the Year. Faksa also participated in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, where he showcased his skills in the skills competition, scoring on two of three attempts in the breakaway challenge. These accomplishments positioned him as a top prospect for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, where the selected him 13th overall in the first round on June 22, 2012. Over his full junior career in the OHL from 2011 to 2014, split between the and , Faksa amassed 145 points (59 goals and 86 assists) in 160 regular-season games, along with 15 points in 28 playoff games.

Dallas Stars (2012–2024)

Following his selection by the Dallas Stars in the first round, 13th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Faksa signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team on July 6, 2012. Faksa began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Stars' affiliate, the Texas Stars, where he spent the 2012–13, 2013–14, and 2014–15 seasons developing his game. In his first full AHL campaign during 2013–14, he recorded 11 goals and 25 points in 71 regular-season games, contributing to Texas's run to the Calder Cup Finals. The Texas Stars won the Calder Cup championship that year, defeating the St. John's IceCaps 4–1 in the best-of-seven series, with Faksa appearing in all 21 playoff games and tallying four goals. Over his three AHL seasons with Texas, Faksa amassed 27 goals and 59 points in 184 regular-season games, honing his physical, two-way style as a center. Faksa made his NHL debut with the on October 17, 2015, in a 4–2 victory against the . Less than a month later, on November 6, 2015, he scored his first NHL goal—a backhander in a 4–1 win over the —marking the start of his transition to the big leagues. In his rookie 2015–16 season, Faksa appeared in 59 games, posting seven goals and 12 points while establishing himself on the fourth line. As Faksa solidified his role as a reliable defensive known for his physical play, strong faceoff work, and penalty-killing duties, the Stars rewarded his consistency with key extensions. On July 10, 2017, he signed a three-year worth $6.6 million, carrying an average annual value of $2.2 million, following a breakout 2017–18 season in which he notched a career-high 17 goals and 33 points in 82 games. In October 2020, amid the team's deep playoff run, Faksa inked a five-year, $16.25 million deal with an average annual value of $3.25 million, securing his presence through the 2024–25 season. These agreements underscored his value as a bottom-six anchor who limited opponents' scoring chances and supported Dallas's defensive structure. Faksa's playoff contributions highlighted his grit, particularly during the , where Dallas advanced to the Final against the . He skated in 22 postseason games that year (including the qualifying round), recording three goals and five assists for eight points, while logging heavy minutes on the penalty kill despite playing through a broken wrist sustained earlier in the series. Over his entire tenure with from 2015 to 2024, Faksa appeared in 79 playoff games, adding nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points while embodying the team's resilient identity. Through the 2023–24 season, Faksa accumulated 89 goals and 111 assists for 200 points in 638 regular-season games with the , maintaining a -11 rating and averaging over 14 minutes of ice time per game in his final years. On July 2, , the traded Faksa to the for future considerations, ending his initial 12-year association with the organization.

St. Louis Blues (2024–2025)

On July 2, 2024, the acquired Radek Faksa from the in exchange for future considerations, allowing him to complete the final year of his five-year with a $3.25 million cap hit. Faksa assumed a bottom-six role with the Blues, focusing on defensive-zone starts, faceoff duties, and penalty killing, where he contributed to a unit that ranked among the league's more reliable groups despite overall team challenges. Averaging 13:01 of ice time per game, he won 57.0% of his faceoffs (432 won, 326 lost) and recorded 115 hits and 50 blocks, emphasizing physicality and shot suppression over offensive production. During the 2024–25 , Faksa appeared in 70 games for the , tallying 5 goals and 10 assists for 15 points, along with a -2 rating and 30 penalty minutes; he missed 12 games due to minor lower-body and other ailments but avoided major injuries. His contributions extended to depth scoring, including timely goals against divisional rivals, which helped stabilize the bottom lines during a season where the Blues finished 44–30–8 for 96 points and secured a wild-card playoff spot as the fifth seed in the Central Division. In the playoffs, Faksa elevated his impact during the Blues' first-round series, playing all 7 games and posting 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points with a +7 , averaging 15:06 of ice time while logging key penalty-kill minutes in a hard-fought seven-game loss to the top-seeded . His postseason performance underscored his value as a reliable two-way forward amid the team's push for an extended run. As an unrestricted following the season's conclusion, Faksa opted not to re-sign with the Blues despite their interest, ultimately departing to return to the on July 1, 2025.

Dallas Stars (2025–present)

On July 1, 2025, Radek Faksa signed a three-year, $6 million contract with the as an unrestricted , carrying an average annual value of $2 million and extending through the 2027–28 season. The deal marked his return to the organization after a one-year stint with the , where he had been traded in the summer of 2024. The Stars' announcement emphasized a "welcome home" for the Faksa family, highlighting the relocation back to as a return to what Faksa described as his "second home" after spending nearly his entire NHL career in . In the 2025–26 season, Faksa has resumed his role as a defensive center on the checking line, focusing on penalty killing, faceoffs, and matchup duties against opponents' top lines. He has primarily centered a third-line combination featuring Oskar Bäck on left wing and on right wing, providing stability and veteran presence amid the Stars' post-2024–25 roster adjustments. Following a playoff exit in the prior year, general manager prioritized reintegrating experienced players like Faksa to bolster depth, alongside additions such as defenseman Kolyachonok via trade and forward on a depth deal; Faksa's familiarity with the system under coach has allowed him to mentor younger forwards like and . As of November 17, 2025, through 18 games, Faksa has recorded 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points, with a +2 rating, while winning approximately 53% of his faceoffs. His early contributions include a key assist on a shorthanded goal in a 4-2 win over Washington on October 28, underscoring his value in special teams, though he missed time in early November due to an undisclosed injury before returning against Anaheim on November 6. On January 7, 2026, Faksa scored a shorthanded goal early in the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena, giving the Stars a 1-0 lead after the first period in an NHL game broadcast on NHL on TNT. At age 32, Faksa's contract provides the with cost-controlled leadership through his mid-30s, positioning him as a reliable bottom-six pivot for playoff contention while allowing flexibility for emerging talent; the deal reflects optimism in his sustained defensive impact, as Nill noted the team's appreciation for Faksa's intangibles during his absence.

International career

Junior international play

Faksa first represented the at the international junior level in the 2011 Memorial Tournament, a key under-18 preparatory event held in the and , where he contributed to the team's efforts in a tournament that served as an early showcase for draft-eligible prospects. Later that year, he debuted in a major IIHF tournament at the 2011 IIHF World U18 Championships in , appearing in six games for the Czech team, which finished eighth overall. In a bottom-six role as a 17-year-old physical forward, Faksa recorded no points but demonstrated strong defensive play and competitiveness against top international competition, helping to build his reputation as a reliable two-way . Faksa's breakthrough came at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championships in and , , where the 17-year-old draft-eligible forward scored two goals in six games, tying for third on the team in scoring as the placed fifth. His goals included a notable tally against in the preliminary round, and his physical presence along the boards and penalty-killing contributions opened scouts' eyes, elevating his draft stock significantly in the lead-up to the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He returned for the Czech Republic at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championships in , , contributing two assists in six games during a fifth-place finish, while serving in a more experienced middle-six role focused on shutdown duties. In , Faksa captained the team at the tournament in , , where he scored one goal in five games en route to another fifth-place result, showcasing leadership and further honing his defensive reliability on the international stage. These junior international appearances, totaling 23 games and five points (three goals and two assists), were instrumental in Faksa's development, highlighting his size, skating, and two-way game against elite peers and solidifying his projection as a first-round NHL talent.
TournamentYearGPGAPtsPIMTeam Result
IIHF World U18 Championships2011600028th
IIHF World Junior Championships2012620245th
IIHF World Junior Championships2013602225th
IIHF World Junior Championships2014 (Captain)510125th

Senior international play

Faksa made his senior international debut for the at the , where he appeared in three games without recording a point as the team finished seventh overall. Later that year, he suited up for one game at the , contributing no points in a tournament where Czechia placed last in their group after three preliminary-round losses. Known for his physical presence and defensive reliability as a two-way , Faksa has been valued for his penalty-killing duties and prowess in international competitions. In the , Faksa played all 10 games, tallying four points (two goals and two assists) while helping Czechia secure fifth place. He followed with a strong showing at the 2019 tournament, joining the team mid-event and registering four points (one goal and three assists) in eight appearances en route to a sixth-place finish. Faksa continued his consistent contributions at the , notching three points (one goal and two assists) over 10 games as Czechia again placed fifth. Faksa represented Czechia at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where he recorded one assist in four games during a ninth-place finish that included a quarterfinal loss to Switzerland. Later that year, at the IIHF World Championship, he achieved a personal best with five points (two goals and three assists) in 10 games, contributing to Czechia's bronze medal win after a semifinal loss to Finland and a victory over Canada in the third-place game. His appearance at the 2023 IIHF World Championship saw him post two points (one goal and one assist) in 10 outings amid another fifth-place result for the team. Faksa returned for the in and , Czechia, where he played all 10 games, scoring 1 goal—including the game-winning goal against in the quarterfinals—and contributing to Czechia's victory, their first since 2010.
TournamentYearGPGAPtsTeam Result
201630007th place
20161000Group stage (last)
2018102245th place
201981346th place
2021101235th place
Winter Olympics202240119th place
202210235
2023101125th place
10101
Career Totals (Major Tournaments)6681220

Statistics and accolades

Regular season and playoffs

Faksa's professional career began in the (AHL) with the , where he played sporadically from 2012 to 2016 while developing as a prospect. In 70 regular-season games, he recorded 11 goals, 12 assists, and 23 points, along with 57 penalty minutes. His most productive AHL stretch came in the 2015–16 season, when he tallied 15 goals and 11 assists in 28 games after limited NHL action earlier that year. Faksa also contributed to the ' 2014 playoff run, appearing in 19 games and scoring 4 goals with no assists. Faksa transitioned to the NHL full-time with the in the 2015–16 season, establishing himself as a reliable checking-line center known for defensive play and physicality. Across his NHL tenure with (2015–2024 and 2025–present) and a stint with the (2024–25), he has appeared in 726 regular-season games through November 2025, scoring 95 goals and 127 assists for 222 points, with a -11 rating and 390 penalty minutes. His production peaked in the 2017–18 season, when he achieved career highs of 17 goals and +21 in 79 games. The following table summarizes Faksa's NHL regular-season statistics by season and team:
SeasonTeamGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2015–1645571216+9
2016–178012213367-6
2017–187917163336+21
2018–198115153054-3
2019–20661192042-6
2020–2155681430-15
2021–22775141952-20
2022–23811192039+9
2023–247471219200
2024–25STL705101530-2
2025–26*181674+2
Total72695127222390-11
*As of November 17, 2025. Source: Hockey-Reference.com Faksa has participated in seven playoff appearances, playing 86 games and contributing 10 goals, 15 assists, and 25 points, with 30 penalty minutes and an even rating. His playoff contributions have often emphasized shutdown role against top opponents, including multiple series against Central Division rivals. In the 2016 playoffs, Faksa helped Dallas advance past the first round, recording 3 goals and 2 assists in 13 games. He tallied 1 goal and 1 assist in 6 games versus the (won 4–2 series), and 2 goals with 1 assist in 7 games against the (lost 2–4 series). Faksa's 2019 playoff output was limited to 1 assist in 13 games across two series: 1 assist in 6 games against the (won 4–2) and no points in 7 games versus the (lost 2–4). The 2020 playoffs saw Faksa record 3 goals and 5 assists in 19 games as advanced past the qualifying round before exiting in the first round. defeated the 3–1 in the qualifying round (Faksa: 1 goal, 1 assist in 4 games) and lost to the 2–4 in the first round (2 goals, 4 assists in 6 games). In 2022, he posted 1 goal and 1 assist in 7 games as lost 2–4 to the in the first round. Faksa's 2023 playoffs saw Dallas reach the conference final, where he recorded 1 goal and 2 assists in 19 games. He had no points in 6 games against the (won 4–2 first round), 1 goal and 1 assist in 7 games versus the (won 4–3 second round), and no points in 6 games against the (lost 2–4 conference final). The 2024 playoffs saw Dallas advance to the second round, with Faksa scoring 1 goal in 8 games: 1 goal in 7 games against (won 4–3 first round), and no points in 1 game versus Colorado (lost 3–4 second round). In 2025 with , Faksa excelled in a first-round matchup, notching 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points in 7 games against the (lost 2–4 series), finishing +7.

Junior International Statistics

Radek Faksa represented the at the 2011 , where he recorded no points in six games. At the 2012 , he contributed two goals in six games as the team finished fifth. He also played in the 2013 and 2014 .
TournamentYearGPGAPts
U18 World Championship20116000
World Junior Championship20126202
World Junior Championship20136022
World Junior Championship20145101
Total23325

Senior International Statistics

Faksa debuted at the senior level for the at the , appearing in three games without recording a point. He appeared in the (1 game, 0 points) and the (8 games, 3 assists). He returned for the , tallying one goal and three assists in seven games en route to a win. Faksa did not appear for the at the .
TournamentYearGPGAPts
20163000
20161000
20188033
20197134
Total19167
Faksa has made 42 appearances in these IIHF-sanctioned junior and senior tournaments for the , accumulating four goals and eight assists for 12 points.

Awards and achievements

Faksa was selected to participate in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, where he showcased his skills alongside other top junior prospects ahead of the NHL Draft. During his rookie season with the in the (OHL) in 2011–12, Faksa earned recognition as a standout import player, leading all league rookies in scoring with 67 points (29 goals and 38 assists) in 62 games. He was named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team for his performance. Additionally, he received OHL Rookie of the Month honors three times that season, highlighting his immediate impact. Faksa finished second in voting for the Emms Family Award, given annually to the OHL's top rookie. In the (AHL), Faksa contributed to the ' 2014 championship, appearing in 19 playoff games and recording four goals. Faksa's value to the organization was affirmed through several contract extensions, including a three-year entry-level deal signed in 2012 following his first-round draft selection, and a five-year, $16.25 million extension in October 2018 that secured his role as a key bottom-six forward through the 2022–23 season. He signed another three-year, $6 million contract with the Stars in July 2025 upon his return from a brief stint with the . Faksa has represented the at multiple international tournaments, including the IIHF World Under-18 Championship in 2011 and the World Junior Championships in 2012, 2013, and 2014, but has not received major individual honors at the senior level.

References

  1. https://www.nhl.com/stars/player/radek-faksa-8476889
  2. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/98300/radek-faksa
  3. https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/2025-26-dallas-stars-player-profile-radek-faksa-072325
  4. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/stars/2025/07/03/who-is-radek-faksa-5-things-to-know-about-the-stars-center-in-his-second-stint-with-team/
  5. https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/5-things-you-might-not-know-about-dallas-stars-center-radek-faksa-307598100
  6. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/stars/2012/07/06/dallas-stars-sign-first-round-pick-radek-faksa-to-three-year-deal/
  7. https://prohockeynews.com/dallas-stars-select-radek-faksa-at-no-13/
  8. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nhl/tough-decision-at-very-young-age-pays-off-for-stars-radek-faksa
  9. https://www.facebook.com/DallasStars/posts/congratulations-to-radek-and-dominika-mr-mrs-faksa-/10166680105580215/
  10. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/stars/2021/08/04/stars-center-radek-faksa-becomes-a-father-to-his-first-child/
  11. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/news-blues-radek-faksa-wife-dominica-spends-quality-time-together-imagine-dragons-concert-2024-nhl-season
  12. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/stars/2025/09/19/radek-faksa-nhl-dallas-stars-st-louis-blues/
  13. https://www.facebook.com/DallasStars/posts/welcome-home-faksa-family-%25EF%25B8%258F-we-have-signed-radek-faksa-to-a-three-year-contract-/1137798081715851/
  14. https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/rangers-select-radek-faksa-in-2011-chl-import-draft/
  15. https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/faksa-named-to-first-ohl-all-rookie-team/
  16. https://thehockeywriters.com/chlnhl-top-prospects-skills-competition-complete/
  17. https://www.defendingbigd.com/nhl-draft-2012-radek-faksa-dallas-stars/
  18. https://www.espn.com/dallas/nhl/story/_/id/8136395/dallas-stars-sign-first-round-pick-radek-faksa-three-year-entry-level-contract
  19. https://theahl.com/stats/player/4927
  20. https://www.quanthockey.com/hockey-stats/en/profile.php?player=17327
  21. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/faksara01.html
  22. https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-re-sign-radek-faksa-to-a-three-year-6-6-million-contract-290347228
  23. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/19956105/dallas-stars-re-sign-radek-faksa-66-million-3-year-deal
  24. https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-sign-center-radek-faksa-to-a-five-year-contract-319425242
  25. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/30091094/dallas-stars-sign-radek-faksa-5-year-1625-million-deal
  26. https://www.dmagazine.com/sports/2023/07/nhl-dallas-stars-radek-faksa/
  27. https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/stars-share-staggering-injury-list-from-stanley-cup-final-run
  28. https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-get-faksa-joseph-draft-pick-in-two-trades
  29. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/stars/2024/07/02/dallas-stars-trade-radek-faksa-st-louis-blues/
  30. https://puckpedia.com/player/radek-faksa
  31. https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/player/radek-faksa-3979
  32. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/STL/2025.html
  33. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/faksara01/gamelog/2025
  34. https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-sign-radek-faksa-to-three-year-6-million-contract-070125
  35. https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues/latest-news/blues-lose-veteran-forward-to-division-rival
  36. https://www.nhl.com/news/radek-faksa-signs-3-year-contract-to-return-to-dallas-stars
  37. https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/player/_/id/10760/radek-faksa
  38. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLk5gNxv9vy/
  39. https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/radek-s-return-faksa-excited-to-be-back-for-second-stint-with-dallas-stars-092225
  40. https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/fantasy/latest-news/2025-26-fantasy-hockey-preview-dallas-stars-projected-lineups
  41. https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-announce-opening-night-roster-for-2025-26-season-100625
  42. https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/players/2000655/radek-faksa/game-log/
  43. https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/gamelog/_/id/2976842/radek-faksa
  44. https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nhl/stars/stars-bring-back-radek-faksa-on-three-year-6-million-contract/287-a3c2f274-6ab6-459c-96a1-945d276575c0
  45. https://www.starsthoughts.com/p/what-the-stars-saw-and-hope-to-see
  46. https://thehockeywriters.com/radek-faksa-the-next-ones-nhl-2012-draft-prospect-profile-ascending-up-the-ranks/
  47. https://thehockeywriters.com/world-juniors-top-10-2012-nhl-draft-eligible-prospect-performances/
  48. https://www.quanthockey.com/whc/en/teams/team-czech-republic-players-2016-whc-stats.html
  49. https://icehockey.fandom.com/wiki/2016_World_Cup_of_Hockey_statistics
  50. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=145039
  51. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6oDRxgAfy8/
  52. https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2024/wm
  53. https://www.sportsforecaster.com/nhl/p/19339/Radek_Faksa
  54. https://chl.ca/ohl-67s/players/5825/game_by_game/
  55. https://wikipedia.nucleos.com/viewer/wikipedia_en_all_maxi_2024-01/A/Radek_Faksa
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.