Jakub Vrana —
League: SHL Team: Linkoping
Position: LW/RW Shoots: Left
DOB: Feb. 28, 1996 Birthplace: Praha, CZE
Height: 6’0 Weight: 180
2013-14 SHL — Games: 24 G: 2 A: 1 Pts: 3 PIM: 6 Plus/Minus: -3
2013-14 J20 — Games: 24 G: 14 A: 11 Pts: 25 PIM: 26 Plus/Minus: +6
2013-14 U18 WJC — Games: 7 G: 8 A: 2 Pts: 10 PIM: 4 Plus/Minus: 3
Winnipeg Hockey Talk’s evaluations of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft top prospects continue today with our featured prospect Jakub Vrana.
Jakub Vrana split the 2013-14 season playing for Linkoping in the J20 SuperElit League as well as Linkoping in the SHL.
Achievements:
1. Represented the Czech Republic at the World U18, Ivan Hlinka U18 and U20.
2. Youngest player on the 2012-13 U20 WJHC.
3. 2013 WJC U18 was named Top 3 Player on his team.
4. 2014 WJC U18 leading goal scorer and named Top 3 Player on his team.
5. Drafted in the 1st round, 23rd overall by Sibir Novosibirsk in the 2013 KHL Draft.
From Goran Stubb, NHL Director of European Scouting at NHL.com:
“He plays with determination and drive, has an excellent work ethic and is a very fast skater with excellent all-round skills. He’s got OK size [6-foot, 183 pounds] and strength. But he’s able to control the game and create a lot of scoring possibilities with his quick moves.”
Offensive Buzzwords
Jakub Vrana is a highly skilled winger with very good offensive game. He is a good skater with a very good shot and he likes to shoot the puck. Vrana would probably be considered more of a goal scorer than a play-maker.
Skating
Jakub Vrana is a very good skater, with good speed and agility. He has the ability to use his speed to create opportunities off the rush, especially on his off-wing.
Jakub Vrana video: 4:57
Defensive Buzzwords
Jakub Vrana’s defensive game isn’t as developed as his offensive game and like all good young offensive players he will need to work on his defensive game to play at the next level. In saying that he was one of the Czech Republic’s better players on the PK at the U18 WJC playing against players his own age.
Prospect Analysis
Jakub Vrana is a gifted offensive player that has been playing in the Swedish Hockey League against older players for the past two seasons. This should make his transition to North American hockey a little easier but he will need to bulk up a bit to withstand the rigors of the NHL game. He has Top 6 talent and skill. Look for Vrana to be drafted later in first round, 20-30 overall or early second round at the latest.
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