Three players to watch on Team Czech Republic at the WJC
Jakub Skarek: The numbers didn’t play out well in the 2018 WJC. Upon closer look, however, Skarek lost 3-1 to Sweden, beat the Swiss 6-3 and then gave up three goals over two periods against Belarus, but still picked up the win. Skarek is extremely athletic and is holding his own in the Liiga where he has put up a 2.02 goals-against average and .920 save percentage through 16 games on a decent team. His experience last year will be key to his country’s success, but there’s nothing to say this Islanders prospect won’t be up to the task.
Martin Kaut: It was his play in the 2018 WJC that essentially cemented Kaut’s position in the first round of the 2018 draft. Kaut put up seven points in seven games en route to the Czech Republic’s first semifinal appearance in 12 years. He played in all situations, took important draws and at times looked like a man amongst boys. Kaut underwent a heart procedure in the off-season, but has shown no ill affects in transitioning to the AHL. Selected 16th overall, the Avs are hoping Kaut can follow the same path as Mikko Rantanen, who went to the AHL the year after he was drafted, got into nine NHL games and then played a full schedule with Colorado in his 19-year-old year.
Filip Zadina: The sixth overall pick from 2018 lit the lamp seven times for the Czech Republic in 2018. No question his calling card is his sniping ability. With a dogged determination to play in the NHL, Zadina did not blink when asked by the Red Wings to accept a demotion to the AHL. Knowing it would be a great step for his development, Zadina has started to show signs of comfort in Grand Rapids. Six of his 17 points this season have come in the last eight games. Getting back to playing for his country should give him the confidence to recover his goal-scoring ways.
