With the 111th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators selected center Jáchym Kondelík.
Here’s what the experts have said about him leading up to the draft.
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Jáchym Kondelík
center
Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
18, 6’6”, 227 lbs.
RANKINGS
McKeen’s: #110
ISS: #88
HockeyProspect.com: #116
Future Considerations: #81
Central Scouting: #48 (North American skaters)
TheDraftAnalyst.com: #121
McKeen’s
“A massive center with reasonable scoring touch, Kondelik improved year over year with Muskegon in the USHL, despite battling injuries in both seasons. The main thing holding him back is that he plays with a notable lack of intensity, rarely taking advantage of his natural gifts, leading to a player who does not dominate like he seemingly could.”
ISS’s NHL Draft Guide
“A big, skilled centre that is a presence every time he is on the ice. Huge, two-way center with very good frame. Skates well for size; not the quickest first couple steps and could use some power skating, but there is upside in stride and footwork. Shows some speed and mobility once he gets going. Uses size well; battles, good strength and puck protection, but is not a big physical presence. Makes good decisions with the puck; has some playmaking upside. Has good vision and makes the simple easy play when distributing the puck. Projects as middle six type complimentary two-way with improvement.”
EliteProspects’ NHL Draft Black Book
“Jachym has good straight ahead speed and is difficult to handle with a head of steam given his size and stickhandling ability. His explosiveness in his first few strides is a red flag at this stage of his development. He can lose races to loose pucks and get chasing the puck carrier if he loses containment in the corners. When he is first on the puck, Jachym is able to dominate possession in the corners, using his frame and reach to shield the puck and displays some slick stick handling and decent footwork in tight areas. Has shown the ability to make plays from the half wall and below the dots to find teammates in the slot for scoring chances. Jachym has a quick powerful release to his shot that he can find the corners in traffic. Kondelik has a lot of tools that allow him to dominate for stretches at the USHL; however he will go for stretches of games where he blends into the game and miss opportunities to make an impact.”
Future Considerations’ 2018 Draft Guide
“He is a fluid skater, who accelerates well, with long deliberate strides. His advanced strength gives him good power with each push. He rarely gets caught behind the play on quick offensive breakouts. He’s proven that he can have an impact any time he suits up. He is more than just a big body – his two-way game is for real. His offensive game is intriguing because he’s got a set of quick hands and a very hard shot. Which makes him a perfect player to play in front of the net on the power play – not only can he set a screen that would impair any goalie, he’s got the skills to make plays in and around the blue paint. His release, though, could be quicker and he needs to unleash it with less hesitation. Should be more confident when he decides to let one off.”
TheDraftAnalyst.com’s NHL Draft Report
“He had a slow start to his season before getting injured, then returned with a vengeance to score eight points in his first 10 games back. He is a very good stickhandler and an absolute menace in the corners while protecting the puck. Kondelik also owns a booming shot, which landed him on point duty during the power play. He has a very soft touch and can connect with linemates through traffic in any zone. He’s far from turbo charged, but Kondelik is a graceful skater for a big man who pivots quickly and can escape from quicker defenders.”