The Scouting Report:
Adam Jiříček was projected to be part of the first 10 drafts, but due to injury and not much play to go off of, he has dropped but should be part of the first round. Jiříček will be a steal for any team that decides to draft him. Jiříček is a two-way defenseman who can play a 200-foot game at his age and where his game is. Jiříček is the younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets 2022 NHL Entry Draft pick, David Jiříček. Jiříček can become involved in all zones during play and contributes as well.
Ranked #18 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #28 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #14 by TSN/BOB McKENZIE
Ranked #24 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #12 by THN/FERRARI
Ranked #17 by THN/KENNEDY
Ranked #24 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #15 by FLOHOCKEY/CHRIS PETERS
Ranked #19 by FCHOCKEY
Ranked #22 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #4 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
Ranked #16 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #22 by SPORTSNET/COSENTINO
Ranked #22 by SPORTSNET/BUKALA
Ranked #27 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
Ranked #22 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
Ranked #19 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #14 by SMAHT SCOUTING
Conrad Jack of Inside The Rink has Adam Jiricek projected at 18th overall
I’ve highlighted some of Adam Jiricek’s attributes, let’s take a deeper dive into his attributes and areas for improvement.
Diving Deeper:
Jiříček has a lot of great attributes for a defenseman, but two that are noticeable are his stick handling and his hockey IQ. Let’s dive deeper into both of these attributes.
Stick Handling
Jiříček can carry the stick and handle the puck easily. He contributes more in his zone but has an offensive mindset that will be of use to what team drafts him. Jiříček comes with his young mind and the confidence to make and carry out plays.
“Adam Jiříček is a well-rounded, two-way defenseman who doesn’t excel at one certain skill but plays a polished game. He’s not as aggressive as his older brother David but doesn’t shy away from physical play and has the potential to be a solid all-around top-four defenseman at the NHL level.”
Matej Deraj, McKeen’s Hockey
Hockey IQ
Jiříček plays aggressively, but not physically. He will jump on a play if he sees that the opportunity is presenting itself. For Jiříček’s age and mindset, his positioning on the ice prevents the other team from scoring and creates the opportunity for his teammates to make plays. Jiříček is a smart defenseman for his age and learns from the mistakes that he makes.
“The low offensive numbers have never been in line with his skill set. Add in the injury issues and there remains a ton of questions as to whether or not he can reach the potential that his talent teases.”
Sam Cosentino – Sportsnet
Highlights Of Jiříček
On-Ice Abilities:
The most notable ability that Jiříček has on the ice, is his skating. He has a north-south sense and his agility stands out. His skating helps his other attributes such as his stick handling and his physicality. His skating helps him to keep the opponents away from the net and helps him to be able to block shots taken.
Prospect Potential:
With the NHL Combine being this past weekend, it was stated that Jiříček spoke with 28 teams. His potential can likely be seen after the draft. He can sign either an ELC (if the team elects to do so), or he can go back to juniors in Czechia. With all of Jiříček’s attributes and his skill, it will be hard to see him do the latter.
Best Potential Fit:
If Jiříček falls in between the 12th pick and the 24th pick, he could likely land at 18th. Chicago Blackhawks have the 18th pick from the New York Islanders. The Blackhawks need to address a defenseman issue and that is a right-handed one.
Jiříček is a right-handed defenseman, and with his potential, could be the right fit for the Blackhawks. Whichever team he lands with, he could play on the second line and serve the position well.
Final Thoughts:
Jiříček’s injuries, having a concussion and knee surgery, likely set him back this draft, but he will go in the first round. His skill set, mindset, and ability are needed for some teams, and with the 28 teams that reportedly spoke with him at the combine, he will be an asset wherever he goes.
Stats via Elite Prospects
ITR 26: 2 Nations Fighting – Inside The Rink
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