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Sandman · 04-26-2024, 01:34 AM

Draft Thoughts (AK-47 Edition):

Here's a player that I've liked since I saw him in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and I think he's got a good shot at being an NHL defenseman. I'm talking about 6'2",181lb RHD Adam Kral of Czechia, who put up 6 goals and 19 points in 50 games for Bili Tygri Liberec of the U20 league, good enough for 30th in scoring by D. His play in the U20 earned him 4 games (but no points) in the top men's league. Kral also earned a spot in December's U-18 5 Nations, but he had no points, unfortunately.

Kral is firstly a defensive defenseman who eats minutes, but he can contribute to offense, and play in all situations, including both sides of special teams. Kral is not a burner, but he possesses above-average speed, with a quick first-step, and good small-area quickness. He's also agile, and can change speed and direction quickly, or pivot away from checkers in an instant. Kral plays a rugged, hard-nosed game, and applies plenty of physicality- he's a force down low, and along the boards. Though his puck-skill isn't elite, his handling is good enough to get around, and his use of deception on top of that helps him to navigate through traffic. He's more of a facilitator than a playmaker, as he moves the puck up the ice to his forwards, then provides support- although he will jump into the rush as an extra forward on occasion, or activate from the point if the coast is clear. He's cool and composed with the puck, and distributes well. In off-puck situations, he's always in a good position to be playable in both ends of the rink. He gets good power on his shot, but he could stand to work on it's zip, and accuracy- though his shooting creates plenty of second-chance opportunities for teammates.

Kral does his homework on retrievals, scanning with his head up to be aware of his next option, and makes good decisions with quality breakout passes under pressure to kickstart the offense. He has keen awareness and high IQ, making consistently good reads in all three zones. Against the rush, he racks up stops with his tight gap control and physicality- he can kill plays before they develop in the neutral zone with his long reach and active stick. There's plenty to work on here, including rounding out his offensive game, though I doubt he'll be more than a bottom-pairing guy in the NHL, if he makes it. Improving his strength, puck-skill, speed, and shot will go a long way. Look for him in the later rounds.

04-26-2024, 01:34 AM	#2334
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	Draft Thoughts (AK-47 Edition): Here's a player that I've liked since I saw him in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and I think he's got a good shot at being an NHL defenseman. I'm talking about 6'2",181lb RHD Adam Kral of Czechia, who put up 6 goals and 19 points in 50 games for Bili Tygri Liberec of the U20 league, good enough for 30th in scoring by D. His play in the U20 earned him 4 games (but no points) in the top men's league. Kral also earned a spot in December's U-18 5 Nations, but he had no points, unfortunately. Kral is firstly a defensive defenseman who eats minutes, but he can contribute to offense, and play in all situations, including both sides of special teams. Kral is not a burner, but he possesses above-average speed, with a quick first-step, and good small-area quickness. He's also agile, and can change speed and direction quickly, or pivot away from checkers in an instant. Kral plays a rugged, hard-nosed game, and applies plenty of physicality- he's a force down low, and along the boards. Though his puck-skill isn't elite, his handling is good enough to get around, and his use of deception on top of that helps him to navigate through traffic. He's more of a facilitator than a playmaker, as he moves the puck up the ice to his forwards, then provides support- although he will jump into the rush as an extra forward on occasion, or activate from the point if the coast is clear. He's cool and composed with the puck, and distributes well. In off-puck situations, he's always in a good position to be playable in both ends of the rink. He gets good power on his shot, but he could stand to work on it's zip, and accuracy- though his shooting creates plenty of second-chance opportunities for teammates. Kral does his homework on retrievals, scanning with his head up to be aware of his next option, and makes good decisions with quality breakout passes under pressure to kickstart the offense. He has keen awareness and high IQ, making consistently good reads in all three zones. Against the rush, he racks up stops with his tight gap control and physicality- he can kill plays before they develop in the neutral zone with his long reach and active stick. There's plenty to work on here, including rounding out his offensive game, though I doubt he'll be more than a bottom-pairing guy in the NHL, if he makes it. Improving his strength, puck-skill, speed, and shot will go a long way. Look for him in the later rounds.