Can someone break down some things for me and clarify if they are able to?
Essentially Nemec is the more polished and safer pick, but Jiricek brings more upside with a similar floor? What’s the data backing this assumption up if true?
I'd recommend watching the EliteProspects videos for Nemec and Jiricek (called "Let's Watch: Simon Nemec", etc.), they do a good job of isolating and discussing prospects through their shifts.
I don't know how well data can paint the entire picture, but I think it's more about how they go about playing the game. In the HK Nitra games I caught, it seemed to me that Nemec won't always wow you or be flashy, but he can. I think Nemec plays a more well-rounded and calm game compared to Jiricek. I see Jiricek's game as being energetic, maybe borderline chaotic at times, in my viewings of him at least. Not always a great thing of course, evidently will result in more injuries as we have seen, but having that "pop" to his game certainly helps his stock in many people's eyes. Both defenders need work, both great talents. Can't go wrong with either, imo.
Jiricek 9 of 11 points primary and only 3 of 11 are powerplay, just over 18:00 a night for Plzen. Looking through the Extraliga website at their provided analytics, metrics seem to suggest Jiricek is (pretty much) the 3rd most effective defender on their team amongst 8 total defenders that have played significant games/minutes. 3rd most effective for SCF% relative to the 8 defenders on team, 3rd best CF/60 relative to team, 5th best CA/60 relative to team, 4th best CF% relative, tied 2nd highest point productivity by defenseman on team, 2nd highest goals/60 by defenseman on his team, 3rd best SF% relative to team, also given the 3rd highest percentage of minutes, and a ZSR% of 54.07, 73 starts in offensive zone, 62 starts in defensive. Averages about 2:00 on both PP and PK per game. 17 hits 32 blocked shots, and a +/- of 0. All of this just over 18:00ish a game 29 games for Jiricek.
And lastly, there are only two Dman on Plzen to win Player of the Match this year. Their number one dman who plays 23:00 a night only won it 3 times in his 50 games played, Jiricek has been awarded it 4 times in his 29 games played. Might just be a pointless award/media thing but I think it does hold some value in saying something about his impact in Plzen. But there are some stats/data, doesn't say much to me regarding potential but I like to think these numbers backup the fact that he is playing some tough, all situation minutes and he's holding his own/making a difference for his club at such a young age.
