[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (American Edition, Vol. 29):

RW Jacob Kvasnicka (5'11",159lbs)
NTDP: 36gp/ 10g/ 11a/ 21pts, -11, 6 PIM

Winger Jacob Kvasnicka is a two-way sparkplug who plays with jam, and is 5th in scoring on the NTDP's U-18 squad. Kvasnicka was awarded a "C" in Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings, anointing him as a possible 4th or 5th-round pick, and he was ranked 129th on their list of North American Skaters on their Midterm List. The first think you will notice when watching Kvasnicka is speed, speed, speed. He wins races to loose pucks, beats defenders wide, and burns opponents in open ice with a fervent pace that is difficult to match. His quick hands compliment his speedy feet, with slick stickhandling that allows him to deke through attackers, but he will also play through contact, and skate through hands if needed. He's a high-activity energy player with good motor and a tireless work-ethic who plays with intensity and brings grit to his line; he competes hard, and strives to make a difference. Despite his lack of size, he initiates contact early and often to create space for his linemates and dislodge pucks. He often gains inside position and outbattles larger combatants in 50/50's.

Kvasnicka displays some value in transition, and participates in a rather high number of controlled exits and entries by using his teammates in give-and-go sequences. Once his team is established in the offensive zone, he shows off his intelligence by finding space to operate in and get open for passes, timing his arrival to high-danger areas. On the cycle, he flaunts positive awareness and positioning to help support the play. There's a fair amount of shooting and passing skill in his repertoire, but he may lack the degree of vision and creativity required to make it as a top-6 player at the next level. He's at his best when he keep things on the simple side, but he does have the confidence to try some of the more higher-end plays, with mixed results; he often tries to force passes that aren't there. He looks to make passes to the slot, and aims to get pucks through to the net to create second-chance opportunities for teammates. Kvasnicka seems to do his best work in the defensive zone, wielding high-end defensive instincts and awareness, along with exemplary positioning; he plays a fairly detailed game with a lot of proactive stick-lifts, blocks, and interceptions. If a team sees fit to draft Kvasnicka, he may have to wait until later rounds, and I think he's most likely a bottom-6 defensive specialist if he ever makes it. He is committed to the University of Minnesota for this upcoming fall.