Is Czechia closer to “Big Five” or closer to Seventh?

[Czechboy]

And I'll add.. second we get 6 NHL D I change my tune. That could be as early as next season and also never.

Klapka and kulich were very encouraging in the forward front. Hoping they can build on that for next season.

 

[kudla]

Good question.

Right now, they are a bit better than Switzerland.

However, Switzerland and Germany are declining. In 5 years and on, the difference between top 5-6 and the rest will only get bigger.

 

[Czechboy]

Good question.

Right now, they are a bit better than Switzerland.

However, Switzerland and Germany are declining. In 5 years and on, the difference between top 5-6 and the rest will only get bigger.

And Slovakia is gaining momentum imo.

 

[kudla]

And Slovakia is gaining momentum imo.

It really only depends on if and how many of our top prospect will bust

 

[Czechboy]

Swiss have never produced much nhl talent and NLA has always had many imports. The strength of Swiss hockey has always been the many good swiss player in NLA.

Belarus had Salei, Grabovski, Kostitstyn brothers, Belarus wont ever have more than that.

Swiss have some real elite NHL talent today. Beautiful squad today. And at the 2026 OG. They could be the first non big 6 to medal at a best on best Olympics. But 2030 may be a tough time

 

[Old Man Jags]

I would say solidly 6th right now. But could beat any of the top 5 on a good day playing as a team and coached expertly by Rulik. So I would watch any game against the top 5, even best on best, with genuine hope, but would also clearly feel that we are not the favourites.

 

[SwissFan12]

Six is fine but doesn't mean much in the sense that I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a deep run in the olympics next year with Pasta leading the charge, he is a very very special talent imo, the kind that can win a game on his own.

Swiss have some real elite NHL talent today. Beautiful squad today. And at the 2026 OG. They could be the first non big 6 to medal at a best on best Olympics. But 2030 may be a tough time

Yeah I mean it's not like we were used to produce all that talent, thing are gonna slow down and it's normal, however I do believe this generation of player is a key step in our progression since it will likely inspire future generation a lot.

I think Bichsel is the most promising young talent right now to make a significant impact in the NHL, it's too soon to tell but I expect Lars Steiner to become a good player but still have to see how he does next year before he's drafting.

Right now, 11 swiss player are projected in this year NHL draft, while they would all be late pick, I don't believe we ever had that much player projected in one draft, so it's still better than nothing I guess.

 

[Czechboy]

Six is fine but doesn't mean much in the sense that I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a deep run in the olympics next year with Pasta leading the charge, he is a very very special talent imo, the kind that can win a game on his own.



Yeah I mean it's not like we were used to produce all that talent, thing are gonna slow down and it's normal, however I do believe this generation of player is a key step in our progression since it will likely inspire future generation a lot.

I think Bichsel is the most promising young talent right now to make a significant impact in the NHL, it's too soon to tell but I expect Lars Steiner to become a good player but still have to see how he does next year before he's drafting.

Right now, 11 swiss player are projected in this year NHL draft, while they would all be late pick, I don't believe we ever had that much player projected in one draft, so it's still better than nothing I guess.

I'll also add that Swiss draft picks hit at a remarkably high rate. Czechs and Finn's have so many busts. I feel like the Swiss draftees do much better.

 

[Czechboy]

It really only depends on if and how many of our top prospect will bust

I feel like Czechs and Slovaks busy at a higher rate than most. No proof but feels that way.