Tomas Hyka

History

2009-10: Hyka appeared in two games at the U20 level for BK Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic and was the leading scorer for the club's U18 squad. He also played for the Czech team at the 2010 U17 World Hockey Challenge. He had 1 assist in two games with BK Mlada U20. Hyka was the fifth-leading scorer amongst all players in the Czech U18 league; scoring 34 goals with 24 assists and had 46 penalty minutes in 37 games. He had 1 goal and 1 assist in two playoff games. Hyka scored one goal in five games at the WHC, where the Czechs finished eighth in the 10-team tournament.

2010-11: Hyka made his debut in the Czech Extraliga, appearing in 13 games with BK Mlada Boleslav, and skated for the club's U20 and U18 clubs. He represented the Czech Republic at the 2011 U18 World Junior Championship. Hyka scored 1 goal and was minus-eight with 6 penalty minutes. He skated in one relegation game as last-place BK Mlada avoided demotion to the second division and was minus-one. Hyka was the third-leading scorer for Mlada Boleslav U20 despite appearing in only 38 games; scoring 14 goals and 17 assists. He was plus-seven with 10 penalty minutes. In eight U18 games with Mlada Boleslav he scored 3 goals with 9 assists and was plus-six with 6 penalty minutes. In six games for eighth-place Czech Republic at the U18 WJC he scored 1 goal with 1 assist and was minus-two. Hyka was selected by Gatineau (QMJHL) in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2011 CHL Import Draft.

2011-12: Hyka was the leading scorer for Gatineau after some impressive play in the Philadelphia Flyers' training camp and represented the Czech Republic at the 2012 U20 World Junior Championship. In 50 games he scored 20 goals with 44 assists and was plus-14 with 30 penalty minutes. After finishing fourth in the West Division the Olympiques were swept in the first round of the playoffs. In four playoff games Hyka scored 1 goal with 1 assist and was minus-five. He played in five of six games for the fifth-place Czech squad at the WJC and was minus-one with 2 assists and 4 penalty minutes. Hyka was invited to the NHL Draft Combine and ranked 45th amongst North American skaters in Central Scouting's final rankings prior to the 2012 NHL Draft.

Talent Analysis

A skilled speedster who was passed over in last year's draft, Hyka was likely passed over because of his lack of size and strength. He proved his doubters wrong  with an impressive rookie campaign in the QMJHL, even though he spent his fair share of the season sitting out with injury. A dynamic offensive talent, Hyka has great hands to go along with his quick legs. It was only due to some confusion over his eligibility that Hyka was not signed last summer and he won't be overlooked again this year.