[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Finnish Edition, Vol. 8):

LHC Jan Chovan (6'3",187lbs)
Tappara (U20): 33gp/ 10g/ 8a/ 18pts, +6, 6 PIM

Slovakian center Jan Chovan (ranked #12 for EU Skaters by Central Scouting, and #75 by McKenzie) is a big, two-way pivot who is smart and skilled, and shows up in big games- at least in international play. Last summer, he played in his second Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, putting up 6 points in 4 games to pace Team Slovakia, after supplying his team with 4 points in 4 games in that event back in 2023, when he was just 16 years old. More recently, Chovan was a member of Slovakia's entry in the World Junior Championship this past December, and was 5th in scoring for his team, with 2 points in 5 games. Unfortunately, he has not looked nearly as good in league play this season. Chovan is held back by a lumbering stride that gives him below-average mobility- he needs a long runway to get up to full speed, and often shows up late to the play. This deficiency pervades many areas of his game.

Chovan is more of a finisher than a playmaker, going hard to the net for rebounds, tips, and deflections, and makes a good screen that is hard to move over the opposing goalie. He owns a good wrist-shot with pinpoint accuracy that could use a bit more power, and a bullet of a one-timer. He's an intelligent player, but perhaps a bit limited offensively, and he doesn't drive play or dictate pace. Still, he shows an understanding of how to use delays and cutbacks to patiently draw pressure and open space for teammates. There's flashes of creativity when he plays on the PP, but he doesn't facilitate much 5-on-5, relying mostly on quick touches, without much possession time. He owns a smart, efficient small-area game to connect plays through transition with short, quick passes, and manages to contribute in this area, despite his mobility issues. There's nothing too special about his handling, but he's strong on the puck and protects well, angling his body to block his opponent's sticks, and carrying out of their reach. On the forecheck, he applies good pressure on puck-carriers, and despite his heavy feet, he manages to be disruptive while bringing his physicality. Chovan finishes his checks, and will drop a shoulder and lean into a defender while cutting to the inside. He battles for pucks in the greasy areas, and plays a heavy game along the wall, but it has been said that he needs better engagement in 50/50 contests, because he often loses more battles than he wins. To offset his mobility, he exerts near-perfect positioning and a high workrate, and always seems to be in the right place, at the right time off-puck to support the action and make himself a playable option.

Chovan plays a fairly detailed and projectable brand of defensive hockey, and shows well when on the PK. He is a solid, reliable presence in his own zone with superb anticipation of developing plays, and proactive positioning to counteract and disrupt enemy attacks. He gets into lanes, and supports his D in down-low battles with a high workrate and an active, well-timed stick- always skating with his head up to be aware of oncoming threats. Even if Chovan's offensive game doesn't develop, the team that drafts him has the hope that he will make it as a bottom-6 defensive center, as it's believed he may not have a high ceiling. We won't see what kind of player he can be until he improves his skating though, as it brings down many areas of his game. He also needs work on his faceoffs. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.