Prospect of Interest: Can Eduard Sale make it as a top-six scorer in the NHL?

Sam Cosentino on the player: Sale lit up the Czech U20 league in 2021-22 with 89 points in just 39 games played, establishing a new league record for a player in his draft minus-1 season. In making the jump to the Czech Extraliga this season, he recorded seven goals for 14 points, which ranks amongst the best for a draft eligible player in league history. 

He’s been a stalwart in international play, with six points in seven games at the 2023 world juniors, including an assist in the gold medal game in a 3-2 loss. He’s played in two Hlinka-Gretzky tournaments totalling nine points in nine games. Most recently, he scored four times for six points in five games for Czechia at the 2023 world U18s. 

The 6-foot-2, 174-pound left winger is a gifted offensive player, but throughout the year he showed inconsistencies in play away from the puck and attention to detail, which has scouts concerned about his ability to maintain a top-six spot at the next level.

If there was a way to bottle up his play against Canada in the gold medal game at the world juniors, we would be talking about a sure fire top-10 pick. From a pure offensive standpoint, he checks all the boxes, but when offence is not present, what other elements can Sale bring to the table?

Jason Bukala's scouting report: Played a ton of hockey this season, including the Hlinka-Gretzky, WJC and U18 Worlds.

Great stick and is excellent on the power play. Makes plays off the forehand and backhand from the flank. Dangerous in tight with a quick release. More strength is needed in time and combined with his skill set, should lead to him becoming a top six NHL forward, and possibly a top line NHL forward as he matures. I think he's more than just offence. Better than average defensively.