F Šimon Katolický - Tappara (Tampere) Finland-U20 (2026 Draft)

[Pavel Buchnevich]

The Czechs haven't had a top 5 pick since 2000. I think that changes with Katolicky.

He's the real deal and I think will contend for 1OA. He was one of the best players at the WHC17. I didn't find the Czech team all that impressive, but Katolicky got your attention every shift.

His package of size, skating, puck handling, hockey sense, and scoring skills are near unheard of for a 6'4 forward. If he was a center, I would suggest he's the favorite to go 1OA over McKenna.

Like I've constantly said, the comparison is a Juraj Slafkovsky type of player. Katolicky isn't as strong yet (only 187 pounds), but the same type of toolset otherwise and a similar draft range is possible.

 

[martygod12]

The Czechs haven't had a top 5 pick since 2000. I think that changes with Katolicky.

He's the real deal and I think will contend for 1OA. He was one of the best players at the WHC17. I didn't find the Czech team all that impressive, but Katolicky got your attention every shift.

His package of size, skating, puck handling, hockey sense, and scoring skills are near unheard of for a 6'4 forward. If he was a center, I would suggest he's the favorite to go 1OA over McKenna.

Like I've constantly said, the comparison is a Juraj Slafkovsky type of player. Katolicky isn't as strong yet (only 187 pounds), but the same type of toolset otherwise and a similar draft range is possible.

Really that good? I mean as a Czech I would love that, and he looks great so far. But he is playing only at u18 level in Finland, which has me worried tbh.

If we look at our other top prospects from this group in that draft, then Novotny is a full time ELH player playing with men, Dravecky plays Swedish U20 and starting to get looks also in SHL with men, Novak was injured a lot this season so far, but also will play at least at U20 level in Czechia.

Idk I feel like Katolicky should be also playing at U20 level already. He looks really good, but this has me a bit worried.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Really that good? I mean as a Czech I would love that, and he looks great so far. But he is playing only at u18 level in Finland, which has me worried tbh.

If we look at our other top prospects from this group in that draft, then Novotny is a full time ELH player playing with men, Dravecky plays Swedish U20 and starting to get looks also in SHL with men, Novak was injured a lot this season so far, but also will play at least at U20 level in Czechia.

Idk I feel like Katolicky should be also playing at U20 level already. He looks really good, but this has me a bit worried.

I have a similar worry. He should be playing U20, but he leads Tappara U18 in points. He's performing well where he is playing. I think the fact that he joined a new hockey club this season and in a new country could have something to do with why he hasn't been promoted to U20 yet. That's what I want to believe, and I probably think it's the truth.

The stats combined with the ability you see to take over shifts watching him play suggests to me one of the best prospects in the 2026 draft, so I'll just be patient for his promotion to Tappara U20, and then to Tappara Mens team in Liiga. I'll start being more seriously concerned when the stats or eye test start failing.

 

[pgfan66]

I have a similar worry. He should be playing U20, but he leads Tappara U18 in points. He's performing well where he is playing. I think the fact that he joined a new hockey club this season and in a new country could have something to do with why he hasn't been promoted to U20 yet. That's what I want to believe, and I probably think it's the truth.

The stats combined with the ability you see to take over shifts watching him play suggests to me one of the best prospects in the 2026 draft, so I'll just be patient for his promotion to Tappara U20, and then to Tappara Mens team in Liiga. I'll start being more seriously concerned when the stats or eye test start failing.

Only 6 U17 players have at least 10 games in the U20 league this season. Even Oscar Hemming is in U18 despite scoring well above a goal per game. So I wouldn’t be too worried about it. He can still end up there in the second half and I don’t think it would hurt him to stay at U18 longer.