The Scouting Report:
Ales Cech from Praha, Czechia, born on June 1st, 2004, is a draft-eligible prospect for the 2023 NHL entry draft in Nashville. Most defenseman in this draft class either have a standout quality, or play and old-school boring style of play, Ales Cech finds himself directly in the middle of both of those. Listed at 6’2″ and 192 pounds, Ales Cech certainly can become a solid defenseman given the proper development path.
Not Ranked by Inside The Rink
Ranked #103 by NHL Central Scouting (EU Skaters)
Conrad Jack of Inside the Rink has Ales Cech projected at 42nd overall.
I am incredibly high on Ales Cech for his positioning, engagement along the walls and near the net. He does things exceptionally well that I truthfully think that Ales Cech can be a dominant defensemen sooner rather than later. I can see Ales Cech being drafted anywhere from the third round to the fifth round.
Diving Deeper:
Let’s take a deeper dive into Ales Cech’s attributes and areas for improvement.
Movement Restriction:
Bare with me here, Ales Cech is solid as restricting the movement of the opposing team. His gap control is exceptional, likely NHL level, and allows him to disturb and get a little testy in situations that need a pot stirrer involved. Cech has presented himself as a mature depth addition in a ton of the Czech leagues, and while his point totals don’t show it, his highlights are what helps him out significantly.
Areas for Improvement:
If Ales Cech can improve offensively even in a small way, he will most certainly become an underrated prospect in this draft class. Cech has allowed for opportunities offensively that just keep getting intercepted. Ultimately, his offensive awareness is what needs work, and that’s something an NHL coach can easily work on.
On-Ice Abilities:
Ales Cech is certainly a solid and physical defenseman in the 2023 NHL draft class, he has proven that you don’t need to put up a ton of points to be drafted. I really think with the right coaching and development, Cech will be a prospect that teams wish they took simply because he has the capabilities to do specific things. Whatever it is, a team needs to really focus on those details and work on Ales Cech as if he’s a project.
Final Thoughts:
I don’t foresee Ales Cech falling a lot, if much. Ales Cech is a physical defenseman and works for his position and has a grasp of what he’s supposed to do. His positioning and defensive capabilities is where he excels and for good reason. I truly think that Ales Cech could be a solid third-pairing defenseman and fringe second-pairing defenseman.
Stats via Elite Prospects
Highlights via MyNHLDraft.com
