Czech: Drafted Prospect Rankings
Chief correspondent Robert Neuhauser ranks the top drafted prospects currently playing in the Czech Republic.
1. Martin Hanzal - all-round forward isn't likely to reach NHL stardom, but a solid career
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2. Marek Schwarz - goaltenders take longer to develop and Schwarz remains a quality prospect
3. Vladimir Sobotka - mucks, passes and does the little things, potential NHL third-liner
4. Roman Polak - shows maturity beyond his age and could develop into a defensive NHLer
5. Miroslav Blatak - smooth two-way defenseman excels in Europe and still may be brought over
6. Jakub Sindel - would be a top prospect if he were grittier, though NHL chances exist still
7. Roman Malek - aging netminder reached strong career in Europe, but isn't likely to come over
8. Jan Marek - new rules boosted the chances of the smallish finesse forward, but no NHL lock
9. Jaroslav Kracik - progressed during the last two seasons into a solid Extraleague player
10. Martin Vagner - former first-rounder returned to Europe and his play suggests staying
11. Lukas Mensator - small quick and acrobatic, will be a good goaltender in Europe
12. Tomas Linhart - impresses with his work ethic and attitude, but simply lacks talent for NHL
13. Josef Hrabal - his refusal to show up at the Oilers camp probably nullified his NHL chances
14. Ondrej Nemec - attitude problems hurt him in the development years, not a future NHLer
15. Lukas Bolf - established himself as an Extraleague regular, but NHL is out of reach