Here’s everything you need to know about Michael Spacek, who didn’t get a lot of exposure playing in the Czech Republic, but could be a steal if he hits his full potential.
Age on June 26: 18
Birthplace: Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic
Current team: HC Dynamo Pardubice, Czech Republic League
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Right
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 187 pounds
NHL Central Scouting rank (international players): 5th
Marek’s Take: Such a hard player to get a read on. Has skill but doesn’t show it every game. The skating is good but size is an issue considering his work ethic. He gives you glimpses but always leaves you wanting more. Comparable: Mikhail Grabovski
A good option in a deep draft
If Michael Spacek doesn’t hear his named called in the first 30 selections, he could provide good value as a second-rounder in what is considered one of the deepest drafts in years.
The fifth-ranked European skater spent the past season with Pardubice in the Czech Extraliga, where he had five goals and 12 points in 40 games — underwhelming numbers on the surface, but still tops among players aged 19 or younger in the league.
Spacek has been a fixture on the Czech national team for years. In 2014-15, he picked up one assist at the world juniors on a Czech team that struggled offensively and at the under-18 world championship he tied for the team lead in scoring with five points (1-4) in five games. Spacek was also among his team’s best players at the U18s the year prior, finishing with seven points (2-5) in seven games.
Scout’s take
Playing in the Extraliga has limited Spacek’s exposure, making it difficult to find a wide range of opinion on what he brings to the table.
But by most accounts Spacek is a skilled playmaking forward with a good hockey IQ and above average two-way game — similar to the players he models his play after: Bruins centre David Krejci and former Avalanche Milan Hejduk. The knock on Spacek is his strength and size, although at 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds it shouldn’t be much of a detriment to his NHL potential.
“He’s a hard worker with a good skill set, makes good decisions, is a smart passer and playmaker,” said NHL director of European scouting Goran Stubb. “He’s quick and mobile, an all-around player with a nose for the net. He is a bit smallish and needs more physical strength.”
He’s not related to Jaro
There have been a number of famous hockey names called at the NHL draft in recent years, but despite the shared surname Spacek is not related to longtime NHL defenceman Jaroslav Spacek.
