Petr Taticek
Position: center
Team: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Born: September, 22nd, 1983
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 188 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Florida Panthers, 1st round, 9th overall
The son of a former Kladno defenseman was the first Czech to hear his name selected at the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. After an inspiring inaugural OHL campaign Taticek’s stock took a heavy rise and finally the Florida Panthers swapped the picks with Calgary Flames to get the Greyhounds center. Petr is a player Mike Keenan will love. Even when he won’t feel the methods of the ‘Iron Mike’ for most likely one more season, he can be counted as a future second-line center for the Panthers. A brilliant all-round player with terrfic playmaking skills, size and a portion of toughness, Taticek is also on the way to develop into a strong faceoff specialist. He won’t be rushed to the NHL and will need one more year to gain more intensity and determination before he is ready to contribute. There are great signs that he’ll enjoy a long, succesfull NHL career.
Jakub Klepis
Position: center
Team: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Born: June, 5th, 1984
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 200 lbs.
Shoots: R
NHL draft: Ottawa Senators, 1st round, 16th overall
After going North American at the last NHL draft the Senators returned on the usual route of European first-rounders, which brought them gems like Marian Hossa, Martin Havlat or Anton Volchenkov. This time it is playmaking whiz Jakub Klepis who took the WHL by storm with his crafty playmaking skills and an ability to shine as a two-way forward. The Sens often look for highly skilled Europeans in the opening rounds and with Klepis they have one more. An unselfish player and explosive skater, Jakub has a bright vision and hockey sense which enable him to make great plays. He also thrives on penalty killing units and isn’t afraid to mix it up with his intensity and solid toughness. Klepis has the soft hands of a musical instrumentalist and handles the puck extremly well. Sayed goodbye to the WHL and signed a contract with his parent team HC Slavia Praha for the next season. If he makes enough impact, then he could have a shot at the NHL, but more likely it will take two years.
Jakub Koreis
Position: center
Team: HC Keramika Plzen
Born: June, 26th, 1984
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 198 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Phoenix Coyotes, 1st round, 19th overall
Wayne Gretzky and his staff added some size to their lineup with both of their first round picks, Jakub Koreis and Ben Eager. Koreis isn’t such an intimidating physical presence or has the pugilistic prowess of Eager, but is loaded with nearly the same size and lots of skill to go along with that frame. Jakub is a deft playmaker and a lethal shooter who gives everything to the team’s success and isn’t afraid of getting his nose dirty along the boards. Very solid in the faceoff circle, Koreis is developing into a premiere power forward and could have a smooth transition to North America. He’ll spend at least one more season home with Plzen to work on his skating, footspeed and maturity before he’ll make the jump to the NHL, Jakub will be given the time to develop. But in one or two years expect him to seriously challenge for a job with the Yotes.
To read a detailed article on Jakub Koreis Click Here
Martin Vagner
Position: defenseman
Team: Hull Olympiques (QMJHL)
Born: March, 16th, 1984
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 215 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Dallas Stars, 1st round, 26th overall
A good snag for the Stars taking Vagner with the 26th pick, the Hull Olympiques blueliner was expected to be picked long before Doug Armstrong made the way to the podium. Martin enjoyed a huge first QMJHL season and is on the way to become a superb two-way reaguard. Vagner is a poised puckhandler and a smooth skater who has the tools of a puckrushing defenseman. He can dominate the defensive zone with his intriguing size, skating skill and a great mobility but still it looks like he has to put the pieces of the puzzle together sometimes. He’ll rejoin the Olympiques for his second campaign in the ‘Q’ before he can be called as ready to challenge for a roster spot with the Stars. A softer version of Anton Babchuk taken by Chicago ahead of him, Vagner has the talent to succeed as a top four NHL defenseman in the future.
To read a detailed article on Martin Vagner Click Here
Ondrej Nemec
Position: defenseman
Team: HC Vsetin
Born: April, 18th, 1984
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 192 lbs.
Shoots: R
NHL draft: Pittsburgh Penguins, 2nd round, 35th overall
Pittsburgh Penguins obviously couldn’t resist the temptation to pick the undersized but extremly smart Ondrej Nemec, one of the few players in this draft with already one full season of pro hockey under his belt. Craig Patrick definitely wanted to boost his defensive corps after taking rugged Ryan Whitney in the first round and with the second-rounder he acquired a highly talented puck-moving blueliner with a strong hockey sense and excellent passing skills. Nemec can be used as both quarterback and pointman on the powerplay thanks to his hard accurate slapper and he likes to carry the puck out of the defensive zone and make outlet passes. Even if not overly big, Ondrej doesn’t shy away from the physical play and fights along boards a lot. Will stay in the Czech Extraleague for at least one more season to hone his skill and after that he’ll decide what next. You can see him in a Pens uniform in quite a short time given his maturity and smarts.
To read a detailed article on Ondrej Nemec Click Here
Tomas Linhart
Position: defenseman
Team: HC Pojistovna Pardubice
Born: February, 16th, 1984
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 209 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Montreal Canadiens, 2nd round, 45th overall
Quite early the Montreal Canadiens grabbed the rugged Pardubice defenseman Tomas Linhart, who has definitely overcome his shoulder injuries, which spoiled his second half of the previous season. Linhart will be a boost to the Habs’ defensive corps with his savvy defense, booming shot and signs of a mean streak. Tomas isn’t hard as nails but won’t shy away from the physical play, he even likes to mix it up. A mobile blueliner, Tomas won’t leave you stunned with finesse puckhandling but with reliable play and competitivness. The next season he plans to stay in Europe more than coming over to the CHL and will be looking to make a leap to the senior ranks, either in the Div I league or less likely the Extraleague. The Habs have found a potential top six NHL defenseman with this pick, Linhart won’t make much of an impact the next two years but then he’ll be probably ready.
To read a detailed article on Tomas Linhart Click Here
Jiri Hudler
Position: center
Team: HC Vsetin
Birthdate: January, 4th, 1984
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 163 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Detroit Red Wings, 2nd round, 58th overall
A huge fall. These three words describe Jiri Hudler’s draft story. Or also an absolute steal for the Red Wings if he pans out like expected. The player predicted by almost everybody as a lock to be picked in the top 15 had actually cracked just the top 60 and became only the 7th Czech player selected. He is currently re-habbing from a knee injury he suffered late in the season, but still had a very respectable showing where he averaged exactly one point per game. One of the best pure skilled players of the draft, Hudler already recorded his third season of senior hockey. He sees the ice like only a very few players can and has terrific playmaking skills and hockey sense. Also a great skater and stickhandler, Hudler has everything except size. Stated that he wants to play in the NHL the next season, but now he can forget it. The Red Wings will have him playing in Europe the next season before having a real look at him. Chances are they’ll be mesmerized.
To read an interview with Jiri Hudler Click Here or to read a detailed article about him, Click Here.
Tomas Fleischmann
Position: center/right wing
Team: HC Vitkovice
Born: May, 16th, 1984
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 172 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Detroit Red Wings, 2nd round, 63rd overall
The Red Wings continued their love affair with the Czech players after selecting Tomas Fleischmann soon after picking Jiri Hudler. Not such a well-known talent as Hudler, Tomas took advantage of his strong draft-year play to establish himself as a legitimate prospect who has a chance to reach the NHL and enjoy a solid career. Still a bit of a longshot, Fleischmann will need to add some bulk to his frame and the Red Wings will definitely want him to do so. The skinny forward Fleischmann explodes once on the puck, showing his finesse and a persistant drive to the net. Tomas is an agile skater and a crafty puckhandler, his backwards are lack of defensive play and sub-par aggresivness. He will need time to pan out and don’t expect him to challenge for a roster spot in the next three years. The skill is here, now some nasty edge.
Petr Kanko
Position: right wing
Team: Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Born: February, 7th, 1984
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 195 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Los Angeles Kings, 3rd round, 66th overall
Another drop, the stocky winger Petr Kanko was expected by many to hear his name selected in the second round, maybe even late in the first. If he would continue his strong play from the first half of the season, there were good signs that he would accomplish that. But Petr has faded and this is one of the reasons why the Kings were able to snag him early in the third round. Not overly big, but build like a dump truck, Kanko isn’t only a superb skater with a fluid stride, but he also isn’t afraid of throwing his body around. Petr handles the puck very well and is able to make plays at top speed. He also has sniper’s instincts and likes to shoot the puck. A belligerent forward, Kanko doesn’t shine defensively, but will create lots of offense and can contribute as a pest. The Kings have found bright gems as Frolov, Lehoux or Cammalleri recently and Petr Kanko can easily join them.
Lukas Mensator
Position: goaltender
Team: HC Becherovka Karlovy Vary
Born: August, 18th, 1984
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 154 lbs.
Catches: L
NHL draft: Vancouver Canucks, 3rd round, 83rd overall
The Canucks ensured themselves at the goaltending position with picking the smallish Lukas Mensator, who is among the world’s top netminders of his age cathegory. The Canucks are set in goal with Dan Cloutier and Peter Skudra but they needed to add some talent to the pipeline, where only Alex Auld shines. Now they have Mensator, a diminutive, resilient goalie with a superb dexterity. Lukas makes up for his lack of size with his aggresive play and strong skating. A butterfly goalie, Lukas posesses great reflexes and quickness to go along with his strong glove hand. Thanks to his size deficiency he doesn’t cover lots of net and he could also use better stickhandling. Mensator is going to try his luck in the CHL as he doesn’t any serious chance for competing at the senior level in the Czech Republic. Can push for a NHL backup job in about three or four years.
To read a detailed article on Lukas Mensator Click Here
Marek Chvatal
Position: defenseman
Team: HC Ocelari Trinec
Birthdate: January, 27th, 1984
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 176 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: New Jersey Devils, 3rd round, 84th overall
With this pick the Devils were probably looking to add a weaker version of Scott Niedermayer to their lineup. Marek Chvatal doesn’t have Niedermayers phenomenal skating and acceleration, but also has a high skill level. Chvatal is a finesse defenseman who is capable of making smooth decisions with the puck and make crisp outlet passes. His shooting skills could be improved, but Marek capitalizes on his excellent instincts to support the offense. Marek isn’t a devastating hitter, more a positional player and he could show more of his nasty edge, else he will be pummeled by tougher NHL players. Marek has a bright vision and reads the plays very well. Is going to leave his Czech team Trinec and is headed for the CHL. There he’ll be working to upgrade his toughness and determination. David Conte doesn’t make many bad picks and Chvatal is a two-way blueliner who could appear in the Devils jersey after two or three years.
To read an interview with Marek Chvatal Click Here
Jonas Fiedler
Position: right wing
Team: Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Born: May, 29th, 1984
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 173 lbs.
Shoots: R
NHL draft: San Jose Sharks, 3rd round, 86th overall
Selecting Jonas Fiedler in the third round may be considered a reach, but Jonas’ above-average inaugural OHL campaign obviously convinced the Sharks scouting staff that there is something in his play which makes him a must for the Sharks. The lanky forward Fiedler was the Sharks first CHL pick after selecting two high-schoolers and it is sure that Jonas will continue his stint with the Whalers for the next season and more likely for his whole junior eligibility. Versatile and deceptively quick, Fiedler also found a commitment to defense to go along with his very solid puckhandling skills and an ability to maneuver through heavy traffic. He is a strong playmaker and still finds the net regularly with his quite accurate shots. He definitely needs to bulk up and add pounds to his skinny frame. Intensity and aggresivness is also a question but there are good signs that Jonas will improve with more OHL seasoning.
Jakub Hulva
Position: center/right wing
Team: HC Vitkovice
Born: May, 6th, 1984
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 160 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Buffalo Sabres, 4th round, 108th overall
Not heavily build, but smart and skilled – with those attributes the Vitkovice forward Jakub Hulva could impress the Buffalo Sabres scouts well enough to pick him in the fourth round of this year’s draft. Jakub is a player who split this season at three different levels of Czech hockey, besides showing up for both the Vitkovice juniors and seniors he skated also with Opava of the Div I league. Hulva can draw comparisons to current Sabre Maxim Afinogenov, only with slightly less speed, or to Ottawa Senators Martin Havlat. Jakub is a quick skater with superb balance and a decent burst of speed. He handles the puck extremly well with his smooth hands and can score and pass equally well, even if he tends to make a pass than to shoot the puck. Jakub is a versatile player who can be used as both center and right winger, but won’t fill the bill as a checking forward. He doesn’t play aggresively well and could improve defensively. The Sabres looked for finesse skill here and they got it in Jakub Hulva.
Petr Dvorak
Position: center
Team: HC Havirov Panthers
Born: October, 11th, 1983
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 194 lbs.
Shoots: R
NHL draft: Washington Capitals, 4th round, 118th overall
Not a very known prospect, Petr Dvorak is one of the players who will be stepping up in the near future. Blessed with lots of talent and hockey sense, Petr was still a bit hidden in the Havirov team and was only a marginal performer for the junior national teams of his age. But his very strong last season and a fact that he still has lots of untapped potential made him an attractive commodity for the Caps. A quick, crafty skater who can turn on a dime, Dvorak brings a nice mix of grit and skill and shows signs of developing into a scoring threat. Petr boasts a very accurate wrister and is a coveted powerplay and penalty killing units player. He handles the puck extremly well with his soft hands and seems to always find a way how to slip through traffic. Thanks to his solid vision is Petr capable of strong passes and he has also a nose for the net. Dvorak is more of a longshot prospect and it will take some time before he can be called a contender.
David Turon
Team: HC Havirov Panthers
Position: defenseman
Born: October, 4th, 1983
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 187 lbs.
Shoots: R
NHL draft: Toronto Maple Leafs, 4th round, 122nd overall
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a strong recent history of drafting Czech defensemen with Tomas Kaberle, Marek Posmyk, Petr Svoboda and Tomas Mojzis all being originally drafted by the Leafs in the near past. Now sized David Turon is added to the bunch. A skilled rocket-launcher, David also brings a very solid defensive play to the table with a decent portion of grit and determination. For a player of his size David has a solid mobility, but his skating could be improved. On the downside he could make better decisions when passing the puck, his shooting is better than passing, and use his body more. David has to put the intangibles together first and will need to gain more experience. Is looking to crack the Havirov seniors roster full-time the next season or he’ll try his luck in the CHL. Looks like a gamble pick.
Jan Kubista
Position: right wing
Team: HC Pojistovna Pardubice
Born: April, 12th, 1984
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 187 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Boston Bruins, 4th round, 130th overall
After the Bruins could get their hands surprisingly on Vladislav Evseev in the second round, in the fourth they got another possible steal in Czech right winger Jan Kubista. Kubista can beat the opposition with a mix of his offensive instincts and also an intimidating physical presence. His downside is that the jury is still out on his skating ability, else he has all the intangibles of a premiere forward prospect. He posesses a very good size and is willing to use it when fighting for the puck or punishing the opposition. The dilligent Kubista is a slick puckhandler and has above-average shooting skills. He can also make accurate passes and is working on his average defensive play and getting rid of the tendency to particularly disappear when playing off the puck. Will stay with Pardubice for the next season, where he’ll try to crack the senior lineup but more likely will perform in the Div I league. Jan is improving steadily and can turn into a typical diamond in the rough very soon.
To read a detailed article on Jan Kubista Click Here
Jiri Cetkovsky
Position: center/right wing
Team: HC Continental Zlin
Born: November, 4th, 1983
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 194 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Calgary Flames, 5th round, 141st overall
Two seasons ago Jiri was just a Div I junior league player in the Czech Republic, now he is a Calgary Flames draftee and a player who posesses the raw skill to develop into a coveted power forward. Jiri is a ferocious hitter and he uses his hulking frame very well when fighting along the boards. A tenacious forward, Jiri isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty plus can play both center and right wing. He also won’t hurt you defensively as he shows lots of defensive awareness in his play. For a man of his size Cetkovsky skates well but has some reserves in his stickhandling and could use his teammates more. At times he doesn’t seem to read the play terribly well, that’s a thing for him to work on. Jiri’s stock raised drastically during the last months and now he wants to prove that he can handle the North American game in the CHL. Will need CHL and AHL seasoning, but has a chance to play in the NHL someday.
To read a detailed article on Jiri Cetkovsky Click here
Marian Havel
Position: center/left wing
Team: Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Born: January, 26th, 1984
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 176 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Washington Capitals, 6th round, 179th overall
A year before Marian Havel was hoping into a selection in the first two rounds of the draft but with his so-so rookie WHL season the first selection of the 2001 CHL Import Draft slipped into round six. His teammate Robin Kovar has opted out of the draft but Havel decided to take a chance and ended as the second Czech pick of the Washington Capitals. An offensive sparkplug, Marian is a very good skater who is able to reach top speed in a few strides. Havel is blessed with tremendous vision and hockey sense, which enables him to make very smart passes. But his biggest offensive asset is his booming slap shot, which he only has to unleash more frequently. But he has made remarkable strides also in his defensive play and is on the way to an all-round forward. Will continue his WHL career and is about three years from a NHL chance away, now he looks like a boom or bust type of player.
To read a detailed article on Marian Havel Click here
Jaroslav Balastik
Team: HC Continental Zlin
Position: right wing
Born: November, 20th, 1979
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 210 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Columbus Blue Jackets, 6th round, 184th overall
The first Czech overage pick of the draft. The Columbus Blue Jackets didn’t hesitate to pick the hard-nosed Zlin winger quite early in the draft, in the 6th round. Jaroslav skates well for a player of his size and has a very good balance on his skates. He also posesses soft hands which are able to control the puck with ease and make outstanding decisions with it. He takes advantage of his superb upper-body strength to cover the puck with his body easily and keep the attacking defensemen off him. Jaroslav has a bright vision and a nice portion of hockey sense which contributes to his strong decision making. Once on the puck, he can shoot and pass as well and overall he is a complete forward who can skate, hit and score. The Blue Jackets are quite high on him, but Jaroslav isn’t rushing to the NHL. He wants to see the Zlin’s offer and after that he’ll decide whether to come over or not.
Ladislav Kouba
Position: left wing/right wing
Team: Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Born: September, 10th, 1983
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 210 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Phoenix Coyotes, 7th round, 216th overall
After being passed over in last year’s NHL Entry Draft Ladislav Kouba could bounce back with a very solid second season of WHL hockey. He saw more ice time than in his rookie campaign, where he was used only sparingly, and showed that he is capable of handling heavy traffic well and has no longer trouble with using his imposing frame to his advantage. After Martin Podlesak the next Czech behemoth in the Coyotes’ system, Ladislav shows signs of developing into a very good power forward. He has soft hands which enable him to handle the puck smoothly. Once on a scoring chance, Ladislav doesn’t hesitate to fire the puck at the net. His deft passing is also very useful, but Ladislav could further develop his decision making. He plays very good on special units and isn’t afraid of going in front of the net and look for rebounds. Ladislav is also very good in the defensive aspect of the game. He’ll return for his third WHL campaign and even if he is no sure-fire NHLer, there are some chances that after the time in the AHL he can crack the Coyotes roster.
Jaroslav Kracik
Position: center
Team: HC Keramika Plzen
Born: January, 18th, 1983
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 178 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Columbus Blue Jackets, 8th round, 231st overall
Jaroslav appeared on the radar screens of the NHL scouts after his stellar showings for Plzen in the junior Extraleague this past season. He also saw playing time already in the senior Extraleague and the Div II league for Klatovy. Jaroslav is a typical flyer of the Blue Jackets, a hit-or-miss player who won’t force the GM to leave his position if he doesn’t pan out. Kracik is a very solid skater with good straightaway speed and decent acceleration. He has soft hands which enable him to handle the puck smoothly. As a bonus is there his bright vision and solid portion of hockey sense which make Jaroslav a crafty playmaker who is also capable of finding the net quite regularly. The biggest knock you may hear against him is being soft and refuse to pay the physical price. He is also improving his defense which is now quite solid. Jaroslav is a talented guy but if he is NHL material remains a question, he needs more maturity and will play the next season probably in the Czech Republic and not the CHL.
Petr Prucha
Position: center
Team: HC Pojistovna Pardubice
Born: September, 14th, 1982
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 161 lbs.
Shoots: R
NHL draft: New York Rangers, 8th round, 240th overall
Czech junior Extraleague goaltenders will breathe a sigh of relief when hearing about the fact that the ultimate sniper Petr Prucha is going to graduate to the senior team or the Div I league full-time. Prucha was the top goalscrorer of the Czech junior Extraleague this past season and he ripped off also the Div I league during his short stint. The New York Rangers fell in love with this diminutive waterbug, who also showed up at the 2002 WJC. Prucha is a typical finesse forward with great skating and stickhandling ability and the only thing he lacks is size. He has a great acceleration and is regularly terrorising the opposition with his nifty moves and an ability to succeed in one-on-one situations. The jury is out on the fact if he can translate his sniper instincts and elusive skating also to the tougher North American game. Almost a non-factor defensively, Petr will have to get rid of his one-dimensional label. Probably won’t be willing to play in the minors and will return to Europe if he can’t crack the Rangers lineup. If he repeats this year’s success, then the Rangers have found a gem.
Tomas Micka
Position: left wing
Team: HC Slavia Praha
Born: June, 7th, 1983
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Edmonton Oilers, 8th round, 245th overall
Not many people expected this grinding forward picked this year. Tomas Micka was completely overlooked last year and this year he didn’t record any stellar season. The Oilers take a chance on him, hoping that he can develop into a feisty, determinated third line forward. Tomas won’t impress you with finesse skill, in opposite to many European players. He is just an average skater and doesn’t make many nifty fakes and dekes with his stick. But he definitely has a huge heart and gives everything to the team’s success. Micka is a dilligent grinder who has a huge defensive awareness and brings a responsible two-way game to the table. He has a huge frame and isn’t afraid of using it when fighting for the pucks along the boards and in front of the net. Micka is extremly hard to get knocked off the puck as he makes use of his superb strength. Tomas is a longshot prospect and don’t expect him to show any huge numbers if he is able to reach the NHL level, which isn’t sure.
Josef Vavra
Team: HC Vsetin
Position: left wing
Born: March, 17th, 1984
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 175 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Ottawa Senators, 8th round, 246th overall
Even if Josef missed the Under-18 WJC thanks to a leg injury, the Senators still remebered his strong showings from other tournaments and picked him as the second Czech player after Jakub Klepis. Vavra is an agile winger with lots of offensive flair. He is a swift skater and he can make fast turns, just his balance could be improved. But Josef accelerates well and he likes to fly on the ice. Vavra is a finesse winger with a solid vision and hockey sense and is blessed with great hands. Josef only needs to learn not to overhandle the puck and shoot it more often. He likes to make smart passes and he is a very good passer but sometimes hesitates to shoot the puck. Vavra tends to leave his position on the left wing and to fly on the ice, he has to avoid these lapses. Now when he was picked in the NHL draft he’ll probably try his luck in the CHL. Still he remains a longshot for the Sens.
To read a detailed article on Josef Vavra Click here
Martin Chabada
Position: left wing
Team: HC Sparta Praha
Born: June, 14th, 1977
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 203 lbs.
Shoots: R
NHL draft: New York Islanders, 8th round, 252nd overall
The new New York Islanders player was ranked already for the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, but got overlooked, just like the following year. Now with his very solid season in the Czech Extraleague for Sparta he became just the second and last Czech overage pick in this year’s draft. Martin played his second season on the international stage but this year it was just the Karjala Cup. Chabada is a pesky winger who isn’t afraid to mix it up and throw his body around. He isn’t blessed with top-notch skill but is a dedicated grinder and a tenacious forward. Chabada is a solid skater and stickhandler, nothing of it really perfect, but Martin is able to contribute offensively well. He is an above-average playmaker and a decent scorer who does his homework regularly and shows up every game for his team. Martin won’t have a chance to crack the Islanders top two lines this fall and even more likely he’ll report for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers if he’ll be signed to a contract.
Martin Cizek
Position: defenseman
Team: HC Slavia Praha
Born: May, 17th, 1984
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Shoots: L
NHL draft: Buffalo Sabres, 9th round, 271st overall
Expected to be picked way higher, Martin Cizek had to wait till the final round to hear his name called and it were the Buffalo Sabres who recognised that he can still be had. Primarily a stay-at-home defenseman, Cizek takes care of his own end first but is also adept at joining the rush. He is very responsible and does the little things well. Cizek is good to be paired with a rusher, when he can show his huge defensive awareness. He consistently makes safe outlet decisions when he avoids any risky plays and tries to keep his game simple. Cizek shows remarkable poise moving the puck but could do that more often as he seems still not fully grown into his huge potential. He is a fierce competitor and gives everything to the team’s success. Martin is CHL bound and he’ll probably play two full seasons of major junior hockey in North America before he may get a sniff with the Sabres. Can turn out to be a steal for the Sabres, he has NHL potential.
