Tier 1) Galvas, Benák (Jiříček of course)
Whenever I saw him, I didn't feel that he was physically weak.. But the transition to men can be different.. On the other hand, his father was an excellent player and he was also small.. But there are definitely ambiguities here.
I don't have him as a potential first three rounder. But maybe it will surprise in the future
I just hope he becomes a first rounder! I'll take as many as we can get. 2 last year, hopefully 2 this year!
No doubt in my mind! Pregame skate and Jiricek will collide with Galvas and both will be out of the tourney.
Any idea why Kral wasn't nominated? Seems like everyone here is pretty high on him, at least in the sense that he's a top-6 guy for this team (which he always was last year too).
I don't know, probably just deemed not good enough. No mention of any injury and he is on a reserve list for the upcoming games against Switzerland.
I definitely didn't see him as a player for the first two rounds of the draft, but he was definitely one of the better forwards in the national team. His absence is a surprise. Of course, as a fan, I don't know the details, it could be a problem player.
Me neither, I would have him on the squad if it were up to me. But ever since getting burned on Petr Moravec from the 03-born class, I wary of forwards who are somewhat all-around skilled, put up points, but don't necessarily dominate nor posses any actual high-end skill.
Along with Szturc, I still think Moravec is one of the best 03s for Czechia despite not being drafted. He had a very decent first year in the WHL and surprisingly went back home to play U20. But I still like him, even if he doesn't project as an NHL player. So for the U18 team, a guy like him or Král is definitely valuable.
