F Pavel Novák - České Budějovice, Czechia (2020, 146th, MIN)

[Kipper933]

Surprise omission from McKenzie's list. He finished the season strong too with 24 points in his final 16 games.

He has great puck control in the offensive zone, great ability to maintain control along the boards and in traffic, amongst skates and sticks. He's obviously a dangerous shooter but I think his vision is underrated. Smart with the puck too. All-around, he looks like a strong offensive player.

 

[Agent Zuuuub]

Probably going to end up as one of those 2nd/3rd rounders who scores 100 points next season.

 

[GettingYourMoms]

Probably going to end up as one of those 2nd/3rd rounders who scores 100 points next season.

He will be one of those steals. I think he will be gone by the end of the 2nd round.

 

[Appleyard]

 

[Ryan Van Horne]

I have a question for those who have actually seen Pavel Novak play in the last two seasons. I've been cross-referencing a couple of draft guides that I purchased and I was struck by the stark contrast between two of them with regards to Novak's skating.

Red Line Report raves about his skating and says he is a "speed demon who plays like a ferret hopped up on caffeine" in the quick snapshot. In the in-depth profile they say he's great in all three zones and is "explosive, agile buzzsaw" with great edge-work and the ability to stop/start to gain separation.

Then, I read the Hockey Prospect Black Book (put out by @Mark Edwards) and I wonder if they are talking about the same player because they rate him as a "no-draft." They say his skating is his biggest weakness and that he doesn't have a commitment to defence. They specifically list his skating as "below average" and not just for his size. They give him a 4 out of 9.

Is it possible the scouts for the respective organizations had limited viewings and saw him on different nights? How can two assessments be so far apart?

Who is closer in their assessment of Novak?

 

[TopC0rner]

I like Novak's skating more than Robins, which Blackbook rates a 7. I'd side with Red Line Report on this one.

 

[57special]

If true, that's a big miss by the Black Book.

 

[MMC]

Welcome to Minnesota!

 

[PensandCaps]

I think hes gonna be a steal. Minnesota had a fantastic Draft.

 

[Ryan Van Horne]

I like Novak's skating more than Robins, which Blackbook rates a 7. I'd side with Red Line Report on this one.

Thanks.

 

[Ryan Van Horne]

If true, that's a big miss by the Black Book.

If what is true? Do you doubt that's what their report said?

 

[KapG]

Just had a 3g 1a game last night. Sits at 22g 30a 52p in 38gp.

Statistically having a pretty solid year for Kelowna. How’s he looked out there though? Stats only say so much as we all know.

 

[FourQuarters]

He had 1g 2a tonight,and had 1g 3a in last game against one of the best team of CHL.

 

[MuckOG]

He seems to be taking quite a few faceoffs...any chance of him playing C at the pro level or is he destined to play RW?

 

[FourQuarters]

He seems to be taking quite a few faceoffs...any chance of him playing C at the pro level or is he destined to play RW?

He takes some essential draws this season,like, in PP,PK or EN situation because he is one of the best faceoff guys on the team.He did play a few games as a centerman,but I think it was because Colton and flammer had some injuries.He is a responsible leader,whether he changes his position depends on what the team want him to be.Wild's prospect pool is flourishing,I don't think they need to ask him to be a C .

 

[De Montreal]

Very interesting to note he's their go-to guy for important faceoff. Should be an important asset for him if he wants to please his first NHL coach. How is he defensively aside from that?

Do you think it's his last year in the WHL? Technically he could go back but I'm thinking the Wild sign him for Iowa.

 

[covfefe]

Very interesting to note he's their go-to guy for important faceoff. Should be an important asset for him if he wants to please his first NHL coach. How is he defensively aside from that?

Do you think it's his last year in the WHL? Technically he could go back but I'm thinking the Wild sign him for Iowa.

100% his last year for z Rockets

Personally would say Flamand is by far their go to FO guy in key moments. But Pavel’s crafty, smart. Don’t know that he’ll do much in the NHL, but who knows? A decent enough prospect.

 

[Czechboy]

Very interesting to note he's their go-to guy for important faceoff. Should be an important asset for him if he wants to please his first NHL coach. How is he defensively aside from that?

Do you think it's his last year in the WHL? Technically he could go back but I'm thinking the Wild sign him for Iowa.

Hope for Iowa.. hope he gets an NHL game in 2 years. I'm a big fan and am really curious if he ever cracks the NHL.

 

[FourQuarters]

Very interesting to note he's their go-to guy for important faceoff. Should be an important asset for him if he wants to please his first NHL coach. How is he defensively aside from that?

Do you think it's his last year in the WHL? Technically he could go back but I'm thinking the Wild sign him for Iowa.

As a small size player,his defense is decent.He could kill penalties,prefer to keep the possession patiently rather than finish a shorthand goal chance(btw he also scored some SHG).Personally I put it down to his strong sense of responsibility.
I wish he could stand with Rockets next year,help Cristall in Cristall's draft year.But I know lowa is a better place for his development,especially his skate, cause Rockets is not a speed team.

 

[FourQuarters]

The chemistry between Novak and Colton Dach is so dynamic.They are not on the same line,but always find each other in powerplay or overtime.
Colton Dach won the board battle and feeded Novak for Novak's 27th goal of season tonight.

 

[Static]

Novak has been diagnosed with an unreleased form of cancer. Hope he makes a full recovery.

 

[MMC]

 

[Obvious Fabertism]

Wild prospect Pavel Novak on his battle to beat cancer, what comes next: 'Goal is to be ready and part of the team for next year'

Novak: “Hockey, for me, is very important, but when I knew I had cancer, it was second for me. My only goal was to be healthy again."

theathletic.com

The Athletic/Russo have a good piece here on his recent battle, good emotional read. Wish him all the best moving forward.

 

[czech]

 

[czech]