Jakub Nakládal
A rugged Czech defenseman who journeyed through multiple professional leagues, including the NHL, known for his physical, stay-at-home style.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Czech ice hockey player·Birthday: December 30·Millennials
Biography
Jakub Nakládal’s hockey career was a global tour of resilience, a path that took him from the Czech Extraliga to the bright lights of the NHL and back. As a defenseman, he was not a flashy point producer but a dependable, hard-nosed presence in his own zone, willing to block shots and deliver punishing checks. His big break came after strong performances in the KHL, leading to a contract with the Calgary Flames. His NHL stint, which also included time with the Carolina Hurricanes, was brief but represented the pinnacle of a long professional grind. Nakládal ultimately returned to finish his career in his home country, playing for clubs like HC Dynamo Pardubice, bringing experience and toughness to the Czech league. His story is one of a journeyman who maximized his opportunity at the highest level through sheer determination.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jakub was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jakub Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jakub's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played 52 games in the NHL for the Calgary Flames and Carolina Hurricanes during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.
- Won a bronze medal with the Czech Republic national team at the 2011 IIHF World Championship.
- Played professionally in the Czech Extraliga, the Finnish Liiga, the Russian KHL, and the Swiss National League.
- Represented the Czech Republic in multiple IIHF World Championships.
Did You Know?
He made his NHL debut at age 28 after several seasons playing professionally in Europe.
Nakládal scored his first NHL goal for the Calgary Flames against the Vancouver Canucks in 2016.
He was known for wearing jersey number 86 during his time with the Calgary Flames.
“I am a simple defenseman; I do my job in our zone first.”
