RW Vaclav Karabacek - Gatineau Olympiques, QMJHL (2014, 49th, BUF)

[Leidi J]

Birthyear: 1996-05-02
Age: 18
Birthplace: Czech Republic
Position: RW
Shoots: L
Height: 5'11.75"
Weight: 196 lbs

"Karabacek will not wow you with creative hands or slick dekes but rather just play a solid straight forward game where he gets himself to proper spots to make a play. Plays in traffic, digs in the corners, has good feet and solid smarts to make things happen when given a chance. (November 2013)" - FC

"Very smart player with skill and vision. Has some elusiveness but is unafraid of heavy hitting. Has a nice touch to his passes, and loves to hit the soft spots to receive scoring chances and use defenders as screens for his releasing quick shots. Can be strong with the puck and control it in tight. Still needs more strength but has upside long term. " - BP

"A solid offensive season in his rookie campaign, he isn’t a flashy player, and doesn’t necessarily have the wow factor in terms of pulling skill moves. However, Karabacek knows where he needs to be and gets there. He’s a smart player who finds scoring opportunities and will pick on defenders with his great wrist shot, using them as a screen. He has a good touch on his passes as well, but also exhibits strengths in other aspects of the game. He can play in traffic, is willing to fight in concerns and doesn’t shy away from the physical side of things. Some solid long term upside with this winger." - PPP

2013-2014 Stats
[table="head] |GP|G|A|Pts|PIM|+/-
Regular Season|65|21|26|47|40|4
Playoffs|9|6|6|12|10|11
WJC U18|7|3|3|6|4|4
[/table]

 

[LastWordArmy]

A Prospect Profile and Scouting report on Karabacek by Top Shelf Prospects at LWOS

http://lastwordonsports.com/2014/05/27/2014-nhl-draft-profile-51-vaclav-karabacek/

 

[McMozesmadness]

I really think Karabacek is a guy MacT will target. He likes guys like him.

 

[DanltQC]

Each time I saw him play live he was good, but not great. Not sure if he will make it to the NHL.

 

[Caged Great]

Seems like his upside is Cogliano or Lombardi

 

[Hossa]

Seems like his upside is Cogliano or Lombardi

Those aren't very good comparisons considering Cogliano and Lombardi are elite skaters. If Karabacek had that kind of pure speed, he would be a first round pick, and probably a more productive player.

Maybe it's the Gatineau connection, but I think a decent NHL comparison for Karabacek would be Radim Vrbata.

 

[gifted88]

with a year of development after the draft how does this kid project?

 

[MackAttack26]

with a year of development after the draft how does this kid project?

Didn't have a great post-draft season but he looked very good in the Sabres development camp. Hopefully he can continue to improve his all around game while posting better numbers in the Q next year.

As for how he projects, he could easily bust or become a very good player. He isnt the "safe pick" but has great potential. If he makes it, I think he become a middle-six winger who can rack up quite a few goals due to his very good shot.