Specs
Team: Södertälje (Allsveskan)
Hometown: Havirov, Czech Republic
DOB: May 25, 1996
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 176
Shoots: Right
Projected: Top 20
Profile
David Pastrnak has had a successful year playing in Sweden’s number two league, Allsvenskan. In fact, next to teammate William Nylander, he has produced the most points of any draft-eligible player in that league. An offensively gifted forward, Pastrnak is one of the more dangerous and elusive players in the draft. His biggest strength is he’s a great skater, both north-south and east-west. On top of that he has excellent offensive instincts and a great shot.
Despite putting up good numbers, he has not done enough for him to be considered a top ten pick. This is mostly due to him not being a great defensive player. For a two-way player, those numbers would be fine, but given that he is a one-dimensional player, those numbers don’t provide enough insurance for a team to draft him inside the top. Further hurting his draft status, Pastrnak will be out for the rest of the season. Overall, though, Pastrnak would be a solid good player for a team that needs some offense at around the number fifteen spot.
Quotes
“Pastrnak’s ability to challenge defenders with his skating from both straight-ahead and darting positions makes him dangerous. He has very good hands and is always looking to create scoring opportunities.”
“David is an offensive-minded player with smooth hands, great instincts and a very quick shot. He’s an excellent skater with speed and acceleration. He’s very smart on ice, but will need more weight and strength to excel at the next level.”
Video
Where He Would Fit
The Predators need some offense but inside the top ten, they probably will not look for the services of Pastrnak. If they were to somehow end up with Pastrnak on draft day, the Predators would be getting a player that has the potential to be a good fit on a team that has a lot of speed as is.
With Forsberg, Smith, Hornqvist, and Aberg up the right side however, the Predators are pretty set with right-handed right wings. If at all possible, the Predators should be looking to draft a left wing so they shouldn’t reach for another right-winger.