Entering the NHL Draft, Dalibor Dvorsky is already no stranger to the pro game. In fact, he played his first pro game three years ago in Slovakia and has spent the past two years getting reps in at Sweden’s second-highest level of pro hockey.
Dvorsky has already signed a contract with Oskarshamn of the SHL (Sweden’s top league) so the next step for him is likely to be at least one year (and perhaps two) developing in that league before coming to North America to pursue an NHL job.
Against his own age group, Dvorsky often soars, so as he matures as a pro, the 6-foot-1, 201 pound forward should begin to produce numbers at this level before long.
With more on a potential top 10 pick, we turn to Sam Cosentino and Jason Bukala…
Sam Cosentino on the player: Prior to the recent boom in talented, Slovakian-born players being drafted to the NHL, Dvorsky left his native country in order to play his minor hockey in Sweden. The plan worked, as he signed his first pro contract at age 15. At 18, and with three years of pro hockey under his belt, Dvorsky is now amongst a select group of players expected to be in the top 10 conversation.
It was an up and down type of season in terms of pure production, though, and Dvorsky bounced between three teams in the AIK system. Most of his time was spent in the Allsvenskan, or the second division Swedish league. He also got into 10 games in the U20 division, and played some playoff games with the U18 team. In his time playing pro, he put up a modest six goals for 14 points in 38 games.
Every time he appeared with or near his peer group, however, Dvorsky excelled. Starting from his most recent appearance at the U18s, he finished with eight goals and 13 points. At the world juniors, he was given a two-way role and responded well, playing key minutes and taking big faceoffs, while recording three points. Looking all the way back to the Hlinka-Gretzky, Dvorsky lit up that tournament with eight goals and 12 points in just five games played.
Dvorsky is a reliable two-way player who leans more towards the offensive side. He thinks the game extremely well and is good enough defensively to be given difficult match-ups. He can make plays, but leans more shooter than playmaker.
Jason Bukala’s scouting report: Assistant captain of Team Slovakia at the U18 Worlds, where he finished tied for sixth in tournament scoring. Drove the play offensively. Competed in the trenches and extended plays.
Has a quick release and ability to score from distance. Especially dangerous coming off the half wall or moving to the middle of the ice making plays. Over 57 per cent in the face-off dot. Defensive detail ranges.
His element is offence. He’s physically strong and compact. Not easy to knock off the play in small areas. Projects to play in a top six forward group at the NHL level.